Murlikant Petkar to Flag Off IIT Hyderabad Half Marathon 2026 in Kandi

India’s first Paralympic gold medallist, Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, will flag off the IIT Hyderabad Half Marathon 2026 at the institute’s campus in Kandi, located in Sangareddy district, on November 22.

Petkar will attend the event as the chief guest, according to the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad. A Padma Shri awardee and recipient of the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) for para-swimming, Petkar’s life and sporting achievements also served as the inspiration for the biographical film Chandu Champion.

The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad is organising the marathon to encourage fitness, preventive healthcare, and community participation across the region. Participation in the event is open to students, faculty members, staff, alumni, working professionals, competitive athletes, and fitness enthusiasts.

Runners will be able to take part in four distinct categories during the event. These include a 21.097-kilometre half marathon, a 10K run, a 5K run, and a 5K fun run designed for recreational participants.

Cash prizes will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in each of the three competitive running categories. The first-place winners will receive Rs 10,000, while the second and third-place finishers will be awarded Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000, respectively.

Swan Turbine Services Pvt Ltd, Sangareddy, will support the prize purse and continue its partnership as the title sponsor of the marathon for the third consecutive year.