Telangana: Inclusive Run Draws 300 Participants at NMDC Marathon
The Inclusive Run, organised in association with the Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation (ABBF): Reports
HYDERABAD: More than 300 persons with disabilities have registered for the Inclusive Run at the 15th edition of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, to be held on August 29 and 30, highlighting the growing participation of physically challenged people in distance running.
The Inclusive Run, organised in association with the Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation (ABBF), aims to enable people with disabilities to participate and promote access to running without barriers. Participants also urged state governments to adopt a national strategy to encourage running as preventive health care, similar to how many countries promote walking and cycling.
P.V.S. Prasad, runner and member of the Hyderabad Runners Society (HRS), said the initiative reflected the wider growth of running as a community activity. “Running has no barriers and everyone deserves an opportunity to experience the joy of sport,” he told Deccan Chronicle.
The NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, recognised as India’s second-largest marathon and a World Athletics Label Race, is expected to draw more than 32,000 participants in its 15th edition. Prasad said the event had become a platform for people to adopt running as part of an active lifestyle, not just for seasoned marathoners.
Founded in 2007, HRS has helped more than 7,000 first-time runners through programmes such as Couch to 5K, which introduces beginners to running over eight weeks. Participants train three days a week with mentors, gradually building endurance and confidence. The progression can lead from walking to a 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon, depending on individual goals.
Prasad added that the broader running movement in Hyderabad was helping people shift from inactivity to regular physical activity. The society has more than 30 running groups across the city, creating opportunities for beginners to train with experienced runners.
The 2026 marathon will also feature a charity component, with over 30 organisations associated and a fundraising target of ₹4 crore. The 2025 edition became the first marathon in India to receive the World Athletics – Athletics for a Better World Silver Standard, valid for three years, for its sustainability initiatives.
HRS members said the marathon’s growing participation, including runners with disabilities, first-timers and people of all ages, reflected the changing running culture in Hyderabad. The event will feature 5K, 10K, half-marathon and full-marathon categories.
