IIT Bombay Half Marathon 2026

The 8th IIT Bombay Half Marathon brings runners onto the leafy IIT Bombay campus in Powai on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The event is organised by Fitizen India Sports Events in association with Aavhan, the institute's sports team. Its 2026 theme, Stride for Sustainability, places environmental responsibility alongside the challenge of a timed road race.

The campus is a distinctive setting for a Mumbai race. Instead of navigating the city's usual busy roads, participants run within IIT Bombay's extensive grounds, with green spaces and the nearby Powai and Vihar lakes shaping the atmosphere. The organisers offer chip-timed 21.1 km, 10 km and 5 km races, suitable for runners from experienced half-marathoners to newcomers. Each distance has a defined completion limit: 3 hours 20 minutes for the half marathon, 1 hour 40 minutes for the 10K and one hour for the 5K. Minimum ages on race day are 18, 14 and 8 respectively; a parent or guardian must register minors.

New for this edition is the IIT Alumni Connect Run, bringing graduates of all 23 IITs into the same three distance categories, but with a separate leaderboard and additional alumni merchandise. Regular participants can enter the standard categories; alumni benefits are reserved for those registered through the specific alumni option. The race uses mat-to-mat chip timing, with digital certificates for runners who finish within their applicable cut-off.

Race-week arrangements: The official registration listing places the bib expo on Saturday, 24 October, noon to 8 pm, at The Courtyard, South Wing, Ground Floor, R CITY Mall, Ghatkopar. Bring government-issued photo identification for bib collection and age checks. The organiser explicitly says that race-day bib collection is not available. The main event begins from 5 am IST onwards, but individual distance flag-off times should be checked with the organiser rather than assumed.

Organisers describe medical and hydration support along the routes, physiotherapy and a secure baggage counter, along with post-race breakfast. Finisher medals and certificates recognise participation; open-category prizes are trophies rather than cash. There are separate age-category and alumni awards. Registration is non-transferable and non-refundable, and runners should follow all race marshals and organiser updates, including any changes to access or course arrangements.

With thousands of runners anticipated, early travel to Powai and advance kit collection are sensible. Confirm your entry and final event instructions directly with Fitizen India before travelling.