Manipal Marathon
The 6th edition of the Manipal Marathon, organized by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in partnership with the Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association and ICICI Bank, took place on February 11th, 2024. This annual event, which has become a significant tradition at MAHE, aims to raise funds and awareness for Hospice Palliative Care. The marathon drew over 15,000 participants, including, for the first time, specially-abled and physically handicapped individuals, reflecting the university's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
Date : 9th February 2025
The Inspiring Journey of the Manipal Marathon
How It All Began: A Personal Challenge Turned Community Movement
The Manipal Marathon, now a hallmark event for fitness enthusiasts and social advocates alike, has a story rooted in personal ambition and community spirit. It all started with a simple curiosity about the world of long-distance running. Reading about marathon finishers and hearing firsthand stories of endurance sparked an interest that soon turned into a passion. What seemed like an insurmountable distance—21 km for a half marathon and 42 km for a full—became a personal challenge after hearing about a family member’s achievements. The challenge was accepted, and with the support of the Manipal Runner’s Club (MRC), what began as a daunting endeavour transformed into a fulfilling journey.
The first Manipal Marathon was organized in early 2017, driven by the enthusiasm of a budding community of runners. With just a month of preparation, participants began their training, waking up early on Sunday mornings to conquer long runs, driven by the motto, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” The initial nerves and apprehension were replaced by determination, and the inaugural marathon laid the foundation for what would become an annual tradition, each year championing a different cause.
The Manipal Marathon Editions: Running for a Cause
How It All Began: A Personal Challenge Turned Community Movement
The Manipal Marathon, now a hallmark event for fitness enthusiasts and social advocates alike, has a story rooted in personal ambition and community spirit. It all started with a simple curiosity about the world of long-distance running. Reading about marathon finishers and hearing firsthand stories of endurance sparked an interest that soon turned into a passion. What seemed like an insurmountable distance—21 km for a half marathon and 42 km for a full—became a personal challenge after hearing about a family member’s achievements. The challenge was accepted, and with the support of the Manipal Runner’s Club (MRC), what began as a daunting endeavour transformed into a fulfilling journey.
The first Manipal Marathon was organized in early 2017, driven by the enthusiasm of a budding community of runners. With just a month of preparation, participants began their training, waking up early on Sunday mornings to conquer long runs, driven by the motto, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” The initial nerves and apprehension were replaced by determination, and the inaugural marathon laid the foundation for what would become an annual tradition, each year championing a different cause.