Mumbai, Jan 3 (NationPress) The 21st Mumbai Marathon, recognized as a World Athletics gold label event, is set to showcase a dynamic mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents, emphasizing the rich heritage and prowess of Indian distance running across the country. All eyes will be on defending champions Anish Thapa and Nirmaben Thakor, who are determined to reclaim their titles at Asia's foremost marathon on January 18.

The top three competitors in both the Indian Elite men's and women's categories will be rewarded with cash prizes of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, and Rs 3 lakh respectively. Moreover, an added incentive of Rs 2 lakh will be awarded for breaking the event record, along with a Rs 1 lakh jackpot for setting a new Indian event record. The current Indian 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.

Anish Thapa heads the elite men's roster, showcasing a stellar championship history following his victory at the Hyderabad Marathon 2025. As a seasoned athlete, his personal record stands at 2:16:41, achieved in Delhi in 2022.

He will face tough competition from Man Singh, who secured second place at the Mumbai Marathon 2025. With a remarkable personal best of 2:13:25 set at the 2025 Valencia Marathon, he ranks as the third-fastest Indian marathon runner and clinched victory at the 2024 Asian Marathon Championships, positioning him as a formidable opponent.

Joining the fray is Srinu Bugatha, a two-time Mumbai Marathon Champion (2020 & 2024), who returns with a wealth of experience on this course. He will be joined by Pradeep Singh Chaudhary, who has been steadily making strides on the domestic circuit and is becoming a strong contender.

In the women's elite race, Nirmaben Thakor aims to secure her historic third Mumbai Marathon title. She will compete against Jyoti Gawate, a two-time champion from 2011 and 2017, who is making a significant comeback. Additionally, Lalita Babbar holds the record for three consecutive victories from 2012 to 2014, a milestone Nirmaben aspires to equal.

Bhagirathi, a marathon winner in Hyderabad and Delhi, also joins the race, boasting a personal best of 2:48:56 recorded in Delhi. The women's elite lineup also features Sonam, who finished on the podium at the Mumbai Marathon 2025, alongside Ashvini Madan Jadhav, one of the youngest athletes in the elite field.

Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, remarked, “The Tata Mumbai Marathon has consistently served as a significant platform for Indian distance running. The 21st edition once again emphasizes the depth, resilience, and growing competitiveness of our elite athletes. With defending champions returning, former winners back in the mix, and a strong cohort of emerging runners, the Indian elite field illustrates the progress the sport has made nationally. Being a World Athletics Gold Label Race, the Tata Mumbai Marathon challenges Indian athletes to push their limits against the highest standards while providing them with a stage that garners global attention.”

This year’s race will host 36 of the country's top athletes, comprising 23 men and 13 women, all vying intensely for the titles in both categories.