Manipal Marathon 2026: “Miles For A Greener Tomorrow” — Student-Organised Race Invites Runners To “Run For A Sustainable Future”

MAHE’s 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon is set to host over 20,000 runners, including 100+ international athletes, with a total prize pool exceeding ₹25 lakhs.

The event will feature five race categories — 42K Full Marathon, 21K Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and 3K Fun Run — catering to professional athletes, amateur runners, and fitness enthusiasts alike.

The marathon will witness pan-India participation and a strong international presence, with runners representing countries such as Dubai, England, Ethiopia, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the USA.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, will host the 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon on Sunday, 08 February 2026, starting 5:00 a.m. onwards at KMC Greens, Manipal. Recognised as one of India’s largest student-organised community fitness events, Manipal Marathon 2026 is expected to witness the participation of nearly 20,000 runners, including over 100 international athletes, competing for a total prize pool exceeding ₹25 lakhs.

This year’s mega edition of the Manipal Marathon is anchored in the theme “Miles for a Greener Tomorrow”, with the tagline “Run for a Sustainable Future,” underscoring MAHE’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility, inclusive fitness, and holistic community well-being. The marathon also underscores MAHE’s ongoing environmental initiatives, including tree plantation, biodiversity conservation, solar energy adoption, waste management, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable mobility, extending these efforts beyond campus to inspire the wider community.

The marathon will feature five race categories — the 42K Full Marathon, 21K Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and 3K Fun Run — catering to participants across diverse age groups and fitness levels. The event is expected to attract runners from across India and abroad, with international participation from Dubai, England, Ethiopia, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the USA, further enhancing the global stature and appeal of the Manipal Marathon.

The race day will commence with the 42K Full Marathon flag-off at 5:00 a.m., followed by the 21K Half Marathon at 5:30 a.m., the 10K run at 6:00 a.m., the 5K run at 6:45 a.m., and the 3K Fun Run at 8:00 a.m. The Special Category races for physically and visually challenged participants will be flagged off at 8:30 a.m.

The event will culminate in a high-energy post-run carnival at KMC Greens, Manipal, transforming the venue into a vibrant celebration zone. Featuring lively music, cultural performances, interactive fitness engagements, and a wide array of food stalls, the carnival promises an electrifying, fun-filled atmosphere, delivering an unforgettable experience for runners, families, and spectators that extends well beyond the finish line.

A key speciality of the Manipal Marathon is its scenic beachside route for the 42K Full Marathon, offering runners a truly distinctive race experience. This year, the 10K run features a newly introduced route leading to the Manipal Hospice Respite Centre, marking a meaningful milestone for the event.

The hospice represents a unique integration of advanced palliative care with research and education and is envisioned as the only facility in India attached to both a medical college and a tertiary care hospital, catering to cancer and non-cancer conditions. The Manipal Hospice Respite Centre will deliver innovative care models while training the next generation of palliative care specialists, reinforcing the marathon’s commitment to social impact and compassionate healthcare.

In line with MAHE’s commitment to equity and inclusiveness, Manipal Marathon 2026 will feature special participation categories for physically challenged and visually challenged runners, along with age-specific categories. Trained volunteers and dedicated support teams will be stationed throughout the course to ensure safety, guidance, and an empowering race experience for all participants.

Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, stated, “The Manipal Marathon has evolved into a powerful platform reflecting MAHE’s commitment to building a healthier and more socially responsible society. What began as a campus-led initiative has grown into one of India’s most anticipated marathon events, driven by strong institutional support, enthusiastic student leadership, and increasing community participation. This year’s theme, ‘Miles for a Greener Tomorrow,’ reinforces our belief that individual actions, when amplified through collective community effort, can drive meaningful environmental change. By integrating fitness with sustainability and inclusiveness, the marathon encourages participants to take ownership of their well-being while remaining conscious of their impact on the planet.”

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, added, “The 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon exemplifies the transformative power of student-led initiatives in creating large-scale social impact. Anchored in the tagline ‘Run for a Sustainable Future,’ the event goes beyond competition to promote environmental responsibility, discipline, inclusivity, and collective well-being. With participation from across India and the world, the marathon showcases the unifying role of sport in bringing together people of diverse cultures, abilities, and age groups, while inspiring lifelong fitness and responsible citizenship.”

Strengthening MAHE’s pan-India commitment to health and sustainability, Manipal Marathon 2026 will be preceded by the inaugural MAHETHON 2026, a half-marathon scheduled on 25 January 2026 at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus. Inspired by Bengaluru’s culture of wellness, innovation, and community engagement, MAHETHON and the Manipal Marathon together represent MAHE’s nationwide vision of positioning fitness as a shared social responsibility.

More than a sporting event, Manipal Marathon 2026 stands as a celebration of determination, inclusivity, and collective purpose, reaffirming MAHE’s commitment to building a healthier society and a more sustainable future.

The press meet was attended by senior leadership and key officials of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). Those present included Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor (Technology & Science); Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences); Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor (Management, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences); Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor; Dr. Anand Venugopal, Chief Operating Officer (Operations); Dr. P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar; and Dr. Vinod C. Nayak, Secretary, Sports Council, MAHE.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.

Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred MAHE with the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations in search of top talent.

Registrations for Manipal Marathon 2026 are now open. Runners and fitness enthusiasts are encouraged to seize this opportunity to be part of one of India’s premier student-organised marathon events by registering through the official registration link or by scanning the QR code provided below.

https://manipalmarathon.in/

Apollo Pharmacy Becomes 1,000 Stores Strong In Karnataka. Milestone Store Inaugurated In Bengaluru

Apollo Pharmacy, India’s largest and most trusted pharmacy network, today marked a significant milestone with the launch of its 1,000th store in Karnataka, located in Bengaluru.

This landmark expansion strengthens Apollo Pharmacy’s footprint across the state, enabling people to access a wide range of 50,000+ genuine medicines and wellness essentials closer to their homes. The network spans all 31 districts of the state, with a strong presence in administrative hubs like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubli, and Belgaum, and employs over 7,000 people.

About 10% of the Apollo Pharmacy stores in Karnataka operate round-the-clock, further enhancing accessibility. In Bengaluru, customers enjoy the convenience of receiving medicines in just 19 minutes or opting for same-day delivery via the Apollo 24/7 app, reflecting the network’s focus on speed and reliability.

Apollo Pharmacy’s strong regional presence is backed by a robust supply chain, serving over 1.5 lakh orders daily. Building on this momentum, the company plans to open over 750 new stores in Karnataka over the next five years, further deepening access to quality medicines and care.

Commenting on the milestone, P Jayakumar, CEO, Apollo Pharmacy, said, “The opening of our 1000th pharmacy in Karnataka marks an important step in our journey. As India’s largest neighbourhood pharmacy network, we are strengthening our presence in the region and taking concrete steps to ensure people receive authentic medicines and quality care quickly and reliably.”

Through its omnichannel platform Apollo 24/7, customers can also access Apollo’s unique continuum of care, including teleconsultations with Apollo doctors, diagnostic services, and customised insurance solutions, from the comfort of their homes.

About Apollo HealthCo
Apollo HealthCo operates Apollo Pharmacy, the country’s largest pharmacy retail network of over 7,000 stores serving users across 19,000+ pincodes, alongside, Apollo 24|7 - India’s largest digital healthcare platform. Through an omni-channel ecosystem, it facilitates ~100k daily medicine deliveries at home, ~300k monthly doctor consultation bookings and ~150k monthly diagnostic bookings to over 44 million registered users.

In addition to its consumer-facing offerings, Apollo HealthCo also operates in the pharmaceutical distribution segment, managing the sourcing and distribution of pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and wellness products at scale.

Backed by cutting-edge technology, AI-driven tools, and a trusted legacy of clinical excellence, Apollo HealthCo is shaping the future of omni-channel, consumer-first, integrated healthcare in India.

From Cart To Coast: Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru Launches Its X’Mas & New Year Shopping Festival With A Grand Maldives Getaway

Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru, true to its promise of Many Celebrations, One Destination, is kicking off the festive season with the launch of its X’Mas & New Year Shopping Festival running from 27 November 2025 to 18 January 2026. This year’s celebration comes with an exciting highlight — a Grand Prize offering one lucky couple a 4N/5D round-trip holiday to the Maldives.

Throughout December, shoppers who spend ₹999 or more will receive assured gifts ranging from electronics and perfumes to dining and staycation vouchers from The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru. With premium shopping, festive décor, and rewarding experiences, the mall promises a truly enchanting holiday atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

Reaffirming its position as one of Bengaluru’s most vibrant festive destinations, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru invites the city to shop, celebrate, and stand a chance to bring home unforgettable rewards this holiday season.

Event Details:
Christmas Shopping Festival & Rewards
27th November 2025 – 18th January 2026
Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

Titan Launches A New Brand Campaign ‘Wear Your Story’ Featuring PV Sindhu And Vikrant Massey

Every person has a story to tell. A story that emerges from who they are, their beliefs and choices they make. It is their personal truth and authentic self that shapes their style. Built on this belief where substance creates style, the campaign invites a new generation to wear their truth with intention and quiet confidence. Fronting the campaign are Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and National Award-winning actor Vikrant Massey, two individuals whose lives reflect depth, courage and authenticity of their beliefs and choices. Their stories echo the spirit of today’s generation, who choose identity over imitation and meaning over spectacle.

The idea grew from a simple insight that today’s generation aspires authenticity and resonates with stories that are real. The campaign brings this thought alive through Sindhu and Massey whose depth, grit and grace defines modern style beyond surface and spectacle.

Ranjani Krishnaswamy, CMO, Analog Watches at Titan Company Limited, said, “At Titan, we’ve always believed that a watch is more than an accessory, it is a quiet marker of who you are and the journeys that have shaped you. In a world where authenticity has become truly aspirational, people want their style to reflect their lived truth. PV Sindhu and Vikrant bring this spirit alive with remarkable honesty. Their stories flow seamlessly into what we stand for as a brand. They celebrate the strive and courage that Titan embodies as it continues its journey into horological artistry.”

The film featuring Vikrant mirrors his philosophy that the true measure of work lies not in the scale, but in the passion that you bring to the art. His journey resonates with ones who move with intention and are defined by courage to stay authentic.

“My journey has never been about moving fast but moving with honesty and my style has always come from simplicity and sincerity. That’s why Titan’s ‘Wear Your Story’ feels personal to me. A timepiece always reminds me of where I’ve been and where I choose to go” shared Vikrant Massey.

Vikrant Massey Campaign Film - https://youtu.be/q7LqIyJorM0

PV Sindhu’s film is a symphony of sweat and steel. The film beautifully captures her spirit of resilience and love for the sport. Her energy will resonate with a generation of young Indians who see grit as a form of self- expression and enjoy the journey of their becoming.

PV Sindhu stated, “This film took me back to the moments that have shaped me, both on and off the court. This campaign reflects the belief that determination and purpose create a style of its own. The collaboration felt special because the brand understood the emotion behind my journey and translated it into something authentic."

PV Sindhu Campaign Film - https://youtu.be/pTgCCnCMb8w

Together, the films reflect Titan’s evolving design language, contemporary storytelling and craft inspired by the depth of each individual. Here, the watch emerges as a quiet marker of each individual’s journey, subtly shaping and reflecting their personal style.

Puneet Kapoor, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy South, added “The idea springs from a simple truth: great brands authentically mirror people, their inspiration and their mettle. The choices we make in life are reflected in every small detail, including what we adorn ourselves with. In India, a million authentic stories await. We began with PV Sindhu and Vikrant Massey, honoring the trials and tribulations that shaped their pursuit of dreams. What’s true for them is true for us. So, with Titan, India’s OG watch brand, and its design philosophy of artistry nestled into engineering, our aim is to reflects a story that draws from the lives and aspirations of Indians.”

The campaign is now live across all digital platforms. Titan invites India to reflect on what shapes their story—and to wear it with pride.

Barbeque Nation Opens New Outlet At Bridge Twins Tower, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru Expands Central Bengaluru Presence

India’s leading casual dining brand continues rapid expansion with a new location in one of the city’s busiest shopping destinations

Barbeque Nation, one of India’s most loved casual dining chains, has launched its 19th outlet in Bengaluru, this time at Bridge Twins Tower, Yeshwanthpur Bengaluru, a landmark retail and entertainment destination in the heart of the city.

With this launch, Barbeque Nation strengthens its presence in South India, bringing its signature “live-on-the-table grill” concept and buffet-style dining experience to more guests across the city. The outlet features a welcoming ambiance and vibrant seating, designed to create a casual, family-friendly dining experience.

On the occasion, Mr. Rahul Agarwal, CEO, Barbeque Nation Hospitality Ltd., said: “We are delighted to launch our 19th outlet in Bengaluru, 1st Outlet in Yeshwanthpur a city that continues to show immense love for the Barbeque Nation experience. Bridge Twins Tower is an ideal location for us to connect with a wider audience, and we look forward to offering our signature hospitality and flavours to guests here.”

The unlimited buffet at Barbeque Nation offers a wide selection of dishes across vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Among the highlights are Cajun Spice Potato and Malai Broccoli for vegetarians, and Lebanese BBQ Grilled Fish and Coastal BBQ Prawns for non-vegetarians all prepared with the brand’s signature marinades and grilling techniques.

Barbeque Nation continues to be a pioneer in interactive dining, offering an experience that goes beyond the plate celebrating food, community, and togetherness with every new outlet.

About the Brand

Founded in India in 2006, Barbeque Nation revolutionized the casual dining landscape with its Live Grills on the Table concept, allowing diners to grill their own skewers of meats, seafood, and vegetables right at their table. Over the years, this unique dining experience has won millions of hearts across India, UAE, Malaysia, Oman and Bahrain with close to 200 restaurants worldwide.

Marriott Bonvoy Unveils A Heartwarming Christmas Activation At Mumbai International Airport (T2)

This Christmas, Marriott Bonvoy brought the magic of the festive season to Mumbai International Airport, Terminal 2, with a heartwarming activation designed to surprise and delight arriving passengers. The immersive experience transformed the arrivals conveyor belt area into a moment of joy, gifting and emotional connection during the peak holiday travel period.

As passengers arrived, they were welcomed by a dedicated airline conveyor belt featuring personalized Christmas hampers, each thoughtfully tagged with the traveler’s seat number – adding an authentic and meaningful personal touch.

Brand ushers guided guests through the experience, while a live Christmas choir and Santa meet-and-greet filled the space with festive cheer, turning a typically routine arrival into an uplifting celebration.

The activation reflects Marriott Bonvoy’s commitment to celebrating the spirit of giving and creating emotionally resonant experiences that extend beyond hotel stays. By reimagining an everyday travel touchpoint, the brand reinforced its belief that hospitality isn’t limited to destinations – it’s present throughout the journey.

Sharing her experience of the activation, Namrata Seth, Actor and Digital Content Creator said, “I was completely delighted by the surprise that awaited me at the airport. Watching beautifully curated Christmas hampers arrive on the conveyor belt felt joyful and festive in the most unexpected way. Marriott Bonvoy truly transformed a routine arrival into a celebratory moment, bringing in the spirit of Christmas the moment you land from your travels.”

As part of the festive season, Marriott Bonvoy’s Celebrate Christmas with Marriott Bonvoy collection features a curated range of handcrafted Christmas offerings, including festive cakes, cookies, hampers and interactive DIY treats. Thoughtfully created by Marriott’s culinary teams across India, the collection is designed for gifting, sharing and celebrating the warmth of the season – bringing the same spirit of care and craftsmanship seen at the airport experience into homes and celebrations.

The Christmas collection is available across participating Marriott hotels in India throughout the festive season.

With this distinctive airport activation, Marriott Bonvoy continues to elevate consumer engagement by meeting travelers where they are – transforming routine moments into heartfelt memories and reaffirming its role as a brand that celebrates journeys as much as destinations.

Samsung SmartThings Becomes The Industry’s First To Support Matter Cameras

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that its smart home platform, SmartThings, now supports Matter 1.5—the global smart home standard—making it the first in the industry to support Matter-compatible cameras.

Starting later this month, Samsung will roll out SmartThings updates to expand its existing list of Matter devices, including lights, door locks, switches, and various sensors, by adding cameras. With this update, SmartThings will become the smart home platform with the broadest support for Matter devices.

“Samsung aims to ensure that products and services built on different brands and protocols deliver a unified experience through SmartThings,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings Team at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to expand our support for industry standards, including Matter, and further strengthen collaboration to drive new customer experiences.”

Enhanced Security and Safety with Matter 1.5 Camera Support

Matter 1.5, announced by the Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA) in November, adds camera support as well as enhanced features for closure operations, including blinds, awnings, and garage doors—along with improved energy management.

The industry is particularly focused on the inclusion of a camera standard, as cameras are an essential part of any smart home ecosystem. Matter 1.5 supports a wide range of camera use cases including indoor and outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, and more. It also includes features such as live video streaming, two-way communication, motion detection, event history, and pan-tilt-zoom controls.

Expanded User Choice and Enhanced Developer Convenience

With SmartThings supporting the standard, camera manufacturers can now launch Matter-based cameras that seamlessly integrate with SmartThings without the need to customize separate API (Application Programming Interface).

Samsung has collaborated with leading global IoT device makers, including Aqara, Eve, and Ulticam, to develop Matter cameras, and these products are expected to roll out starting in March 2026.

SmartThings has already partnered with Aqara, Arlo, Hue, Ring, and others to provide a wide array of smart home camera experiences across various protocols and connection methods. With this update, users will have even more options, as Matter cameras can now be integrated easily into the SmartThings ecosystem.

Integrating cameras with SmartThings helps users build a safe and convenient smart home tailored to their lifestyle. This integration enables essential functions such as monitoring the home environment while away, checking on the well-being of pets, and configuring customized routines by connecting with smart doorbells.

Strengthening Industry Leadership with the Broadest Support for Matter Devices

Samsung SmartThings continues to expand its global partnerships under an open-platform strategy. Through the WWST (Works With SmartThings) certification program, SmartThings now supports more than 4,700 models from over 390 partner brands. By rapidly adopting the Matter standard, Samsung has also helped bring 58 Matter device types into users’ everyday lives.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news,  visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in.