Mumbai 17th January, 2026: Ahead of race day on January 18, the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 set the stage for its 21st edition with An Evening to Remember—a celebration dedicated to the real heroes of the marathon, from runners and changemakers to voices championing health, inclusion, and community. Hosted by Cyrus Broacha, the evening brought together prominent personalities, including Amruta Fadnavis, Dr. Tarang Gianchandani, Kiran Rao, and Vineeta Singh, along with the International Event Ambassador, Andre De Grasse as the marathon unveiled key milestones that underline its scale, impact, and growing social relevance.
Set to be the largest edition in the event’s history, the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 will see over 69,000 participants take to the streets, with a 222% increase in women’s participation since the event’s inception. Entering its 21st year, the marathon continues to stand as India’s largest mass participation sporting event—uniting elite international athletes, first-time runners, corporate teams, NGOs, and citizens from across the country—while placing an increasing focus on healthcare, inclusivity, and community well-being.
Olympic champion Andre De Grasse has been named the International Event Ambassador for the 2026 edition, further strengthening the marathon’s global profile. Reflecting on his journey, De Grasse said, “I started out as a basketball player, and a surprise encounter at a track meet completely changed my life. That moment led me to racing against the fastest athletes in the world.”
Speaking about his work beyond competition, he added, “Through my foundation, my aim is to provide financial support so children can access education and opportunity, just like I did. I continue because I love the sport and want to help the next generation succeed.”
Women’s participation has emerged as a defining trend at the marathon, with women now making up nearly 40 percent of total runners. Vineeta Singh, CEO at SUGAR Cosmetics said the marathon represents more than a physical challenge for women. “It’s not just about the run or the finish line. It’s about showing up at the start line without self-rejecting yourself,” she said.
Recalling her experience of running while pregnant, Singh added, “My doctor told me pregnancy is not an illness. I hope we move towards trusting women’s instincts more and judging them less.”
With participation at an all-time high, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, the event’s Medical Partner, underlined the importance of medical preparedness. Healthcare leader Dr. Tarang Gianchandani, Group CEO at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital said preparation for an event of this scale begins well before race day. “With more than 69,000 runners, medical preparedness, triage teams, and preventive care are as important as the start of the journey,” she said.
She added, “When you take care of one life, you take care of someone’s family, their dreams, and their future. Health and wellness cannot be seasonal. We must focus on them throughout the year.”
Philanthropist, Social Activist, and First Lady of Maharashtra, Amruta Fadnavis, who has been associated with the marathon for over a decade, said the event reflects the essence of the city. “It represents the spirit of Mumbai, its resilience, and it’s never say die attitude,” she said.
Highlighting the broader impact of the event, she added, “The Tata Mumbai Marathon is not just about fitness. It supports NGOs, creates a strong economic cycle, and contributes meaningfully to Mumbai and Maharashtra.”
Filmmaker Kiran Rao described the marathon as a platform that truly belongs to the city. “What makes the marathon special is that it includes everyone, people with disabilities, elite athletes, first time runners, and those who simply feel for their city,” she said.
Speaking about running in support of the Paani Foundation and Agatsu Foundation, Rao added, “Both our foundations are built on collaboration and on the belief that when people come together, real change happens.”
