The upcoming 21st Mumbai Marathon, designated as a World Athletics gold label event, will spotlight a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents in Indian distance running. Defending champions Anish Thapa and Nirmaben Thakor are set to headline the prestigious marathon scheduled for January 18.
In the Indian Elite categories, the top three finishers for both men and women will be awarded prize money, with amounts ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Participants also have the opportunity to earn bonuses for setting event records, with current records held by Nitendra Singh Rawat and Sudha Singh in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
Anish Thapa, a prominent figure in the men’s elite field, boasts a strong championship record, having secured victory at the Hyderabad Marathon 2025. His personal best time of 2:16:41 was achieved in Delhi in 2022, setting the stage for an intense competition.
Competing against Thapa is Man Singh, the runner-up at the Mumbai Marathon 2025, known for his impressive personal best of 2:13:25. Srinu Bugatha, a two-time Mumbai Marathon Champion, and Pradeep Singh Chaudhary are also expected to add to the competitive field.
In the women’s elite race, Nirmaben Thakor aims for her third Mumbai Marathon triumph, facing off against Jyoti Gawate and Lalita Babbar, among others. The lineup also includes Bhagirathi, Sonam, and Ashvini Madan Jadhav, showcasing a diverse and talented group of female athletes.
Vivek Singh, JT MD of Procam International, emphasized the significance of the Tata Mumbai Marathon as a platform for Indian distance running. With a strong field of athletes, including defending champions and emerging talents, the event highlights the progress of Indian sports on a global stage.
This year’s marathon will witness 36 top Indian athletes, comprising 23 men and 13 women, competing fiercely for the coveted titles.
