Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 Draws Over 15,000 Runners in Spectacular Three-Day Event
The city was transformed into a vibrant hub of athleticism and community spirit as the Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 unfolded over three unforgettable days. From March 27th to 29th, the event captivated participants and spectators alike, culminating in a race day that saw more than 15,000 runners take to the roads, each with a unique story to tell.
Expo Sets the Stage with Energy and Motivation
On March 27th and 28th, the Times Internet Marathon Expo buzzed with an electric atmosphere, overflowing with energy, music, laughter, and the kind of collective motivation that only a crowd of thousands can generate. This pre-race gathering served as a powerful launchpad, building anticipation and camaraderie among runners from all walks of life.
Race Day Highlights Triumph and Tenacity
March 29th marked the pinnacle of the event, with over 15,000 runners embarking on their journeys. In the 10K Female category, three women not only secured podium finishes but also emerged as powerful symbols of what sport, sacrifice, and sheer willpower truly represent in real life.
Pooja Manda: Gold Medalist with a Story of Survival and Love
Winner, 10K Female
Chip Time: 00:36:18
Pooja Manda's victory is far more than a sports achievement; it is a profound narrative of survival and love. At 28 years old, she runs carrying the weight of a life that demanded rapid maturity. After losing her father, Pooja faced a critical crossroads and chose to run not away from grief, but directly through it. Running evolved into her livelihood, profession, and future, with her eyes firmly set on qualifying for the Asian Games. Every race represents a step closer to a dream she is building from the ground up.
"This is the best marathon of the season for me. The prize money, the arrangements, everything was the best. Times Internet Marathon gave us everything we needed," she shared. On race day, Pooja didn't merely win a race; she ran for her father, her future, and every athlete who has transformed pain into purpose, earning the gold medal in every sense of the word.
Radha Kishori: First Runner-Up Demonstrating Honest Grit
1st Runner Up, 10K Female
Chip Time: 00:39:13
Radha Kishori's journey is a testament to raw, honest grit. She began training immediately upon registration, wasting not a single day. While fitness was a goal, her family's circumstances served as her greatest motivator, pushing her to persevere relentlessly.
"Running ke time khud ko motivate karti hu prize dekh ke, ki prize milega to aage ka kharcha chalega," she explained, highlighting how the prospect of prize money fuels her forward. On race day, Radha was candid about her timing not being a personal best, owning it completely with a smile. She described the experience as wonderful and left the course with her head held high, showcasing a resilience that is rarer than any podium finish.
Sangha: Second Runner-Up with a Dream for the Asian Games
2nd Runner Up, 10K Female
Chip Time: 00:39:40
In 2021, Sangha laced up her running shoes for the first time purely for fitness. What began as a casual habit quickly transformed into a calling. Now, at just 21 years old, she is a competitive middle-distance runner with a dream that extends far beyond local finish lines—she aspires to qualify for the Asian Games.
"I started running just for fitness, but somewhere along the way, running chose me," she reflected. A bronze medal at the Times Internet Half Marathon is merely the beginning for Sangha, who is poised for greater achievements ahead.
A Celebration of Every Runner's Victory
While these three women stood out on the podium, every one of the 15,000+ participants at the Times Internet Half Marathon is a winner in their own right. Their collective efforts remind us that the real race is always the one within, and through their dedication and spirit, they are winning it every single day.
