Mumbai marathon champion

World Athletics Gold Label Race: The 21st Mumbai Marathon, a World Athletics gold label event, will feature a vibrant blend of experienced champions and rising stars, highlighting the depth and strength of Indian distance running nationwide. Attention will be on defending champions Anish Thapa and Nirmaben Thakor as they aim to reclaim their titles at Asia’s premier marathon on January 18.

The top three finishers in both the Indian Elite men’s and women’s categories will receive prize money of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, and Rs 3 lakh, respectively. Additionally, there is a bonus of Rs 2 lakh for setting an event record, as well as a jackpot of Rs 1 lakh for achieving an Indian event record. Currently, the Indian event records are held by Nitendra Singh Rawat (2:15:48) in the men’s category and Sudha Singh (2:34:56) in the women’s category.

Anish Thapa leads the men’s elite field, demonstrating his strong championship record after winning the Hyderabad Marathon 2025. As an experienced runner, he has a personal best of 2:16:41, achieved in Delhi in 2022.