The 21st Mumbai Marathon, a World Athletics gold label event, promises an exciting mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents, showcasing the depth of Indian distance running. All eyes will be on defending champions Anish Thapa and Nirmaben Thakor as they strive to reclaim their titles at Asia’s premier marathon on January 18.
Prize Money and Records
The top three finishers in both the Indian Elite men’s and women’s categories will earn prize money of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, and Rs 3 lakh, respectively. There’s also a bonus of Rs 2 lakh for setting an event record, along with a jackpot of Rs 1 lakh for creating an Indian event record. As of now, the Indian event records are held by Nitendra Singh Rawat (2:15:48) for men and Sudha Singh (2:34:56) for women.
Men’s Elite Field
Anish Thapa leads the men’s elite category, showcasing his championship prowess after winning the Hyderabad Marathon 2025. He has a personal best of 2:16:41, achieved in Delhi in 2022. He will face tough competition from Man Singh, the runner-up at the Mumbai Marathon 2025, who has a personal best of 2:13:25 from the 2025 Valencia Marathon. Man Singh, the third-fastest Indian marathoner ever, also clinched the title at the 2024 Asian Marathon Championships.
Competing alongside them is Srinu Bugatha, a two-time Mumbai Marathon Champion (2020 & 2024), bringing valuable experience. Pradeep Singh Chaudhary, steadily improving on the domestic circuit, is emerging as a formidable challenger.
Women’s Elite Race
In the women’s elite race, Nirmaben Thakor aims for an impressive third Mumbai Marathon victory. She will be competing against Jyoti Gawate, a two-time winner in 2011 and 2017, who is making a significant comeback. Lalita Babbar, with three consecutive wins from 2012 to 2014, holds a record that Nirmaben hopes to equal.
Bhagirathi, who has won marathons in Hyderabad and Delhi, also joins the lineup, boasting a personal best of 2:48:56. The women’s field includes Sonam, a podium finisher at Mumbai Marathon 2025, and Ashvini Madan Jadhav, one of the youngest participants in the elite group.
Official Statement
Vivek Singh, JT MD of Procam International, stated, “The Tata Mumbai Marathon has always been a definitive platform for Indian distance running, and the 21st edition once again underlines the depth, resilience, and growing competitiveness of our elite athletes. With defending champions returning, former winners back in contention, and a strong group of emerging runners stepping up, the Indian elite field reflects how far the sport has progressed nationally. As a World Athletics Gold Label Race, the Tata Mumbai Marathon continues to challenge Indian athletes to test themselves against the highest benchmarks while giving them a stage that commands global attention.”
This year’s race will feature 36 of the country’s best athletes, comprising 23 men and 13 women, fiercely competing for the men’s and women’s titles.