184 Tribal Runners from Chhattisgarh to Participate in NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2026
Hyderabad: The 15th edition of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2026 is set to feature a special contingent of 184 young tribal runners from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, giving them an opportunity to compete in one of India’s prominent city marathons.
The runners have been selected from remote areas including Bailadila, Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, Bastar and Jagdalpur. For many of them, the Hyderabad Marathon will be their first experience of participating in a major city-based running event.
From Bastar’s trails to Hyderabad’s streets
Several of the young athletes have developed their running skills on village roads and the rugged terrain around mining regions such as Kirandul and Bacheli. Some runners have traditionally trained barefoot, making their participation in a professionally organised marathon a significant step in their sporting journey.
To support the contingent, NMDC has provided running shoes, sports kits, training, accommodation and transportation. Training for different batches began on August 17 ahead of the Hyderabad event.
The contingent includes six women runners, while most participants are expected to compete in the 10-km race. A few experienced athletes will also take part in the 21.1-km Half Marathon and 42.2-km Full Marathon categories.
Hyderabad Marathon 2026
The NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2026, powered by IDFC FIRST Bank, is being held on August 29 and 30. The event is the flagship marathon of the Hyderabad Runners Society and attracts thousands of participants from across India.
Around 32,000 participants are expected to take part in this year’s event. The participation of the Bastar runners is expected to provide them with valuable exposure and an opportunity to showcase their athletic potential on a major platform.
The initiative also highlights how sporting events can create opportunities for young people from remote communities. With sustained coaching, training and exposure, some of these runners could potentially pursue athletics at a professional level.
The journey of these 184 athletes—from the remote and rugged landscapes of Bastar to the streets of Hyderabad—adds a strong community and inclusion dimension to the 2026 NMDC Hyderabad Marathon.