Mumbai, 17 August 2026: The Mumbai Ultra 12-Hour Run returned this Independence Day with a powerful message that goes beyond running — childhood cancer is curable and every individual can contribute towards a child’s fight for life.
Organised for the 10th consecutive year, Mumbai Ultra brought together nearly 500 runners who ran to raise awareness and funds for the treatment of children battling cancer at Tata Memorial Hospital. Over the last decade, more than 10,000 runners have participated in Mumbai Ultra, making it a sustained community-led movement that combines fitness with social responsibility.
This year’s event was supported by IDFC FIRST Bank, with the funds raised through the run being contributed towards the treatment of children suffering from cancer at Tata Memorial Hospital. Some participants also took part through relay teams, with groups of four runners sharing the 12-hour challenge and demonstrating that the spirit of the event is about collective participation rather than individual achievement.
The association between Mumbai Ultra and Tata Memorial Hospital has now completed eight years, creating a long-standing partnership focused on supporting children undergoing cancer treatment.
Mr. Naveen Hegde, Organiser, Mumbai Ultra, said, “Mumbai Ultra has always believed that running can create an impact far beyond the finish line. Over ten years, thousands of runners have come together not only to challenge themselves physically, but also to stand with children fighting cancer. Our message is simple — run for wellness over illness, raise awareness that childhood cancer is curable and do our bit to support a child’s fight for a healthier future.”
Mr. Girish Chinnaswami, Head of the Paediatric Centre, Tata Memorial Hospital, said:
“Tata Memorial Hospital treats around 70,000 cancer patients every year. For the past 8 years, Mumbai Ultra – The 12 Hour Run has been associated with us, not only promoting the message of ‘wellness over illness’, but also building awareness that childhood cancer is highly curable and that there is hope for children battling cancer. More than 2,500 children come to Tata Memorial Hospital for treatment every year, which is provided free of cost. We urge more people to come forward and support Tata Memorial Hospital in strengthening treatment facilities for those who need them the most.”
As part of this continued commitment, Mumbai Ultra has also scheduled a Blood Donation Drive on 1 November 2026, encouraging runners, fitness enthusiasts and citizens across Mumbai to contribute towards maintaining adequate blood availability for patients requiring treatment.
The campaign’s earlier blood donation initiatives have similarly brought together Mumbai’s running and fitness communities in support of Tata Memorial Centre.
This year’s message captures the spirit of the movement: “I run for their fight.” For Mumbai Ultra, every kilometre is not merely a measure of endurance — it is a step towards creating awareness, supporting treatment and giving children fighting cancer a stronger chance at recovery.
