“Running never gets Easier. You get Stronger.”
17th Edition of PhonePe Bengaluru Midnight Marathon 2024 (BMM 2024)
Celebrating Para Athletes and Introducing an exciting New Race to Inspire Runners at All Levels
• Scheduled for December 14, 2024-6pm onwards. Venue – KTPO, Whitefield, Bengaluru
• Rakshita Raju, India’s outstanding Olympian Para Athlete who won the Gold Medal in the 1500m T11 event at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games announced as the Brand Ambassador
• All New 31.6K Run to make Its debut at BMM 2024
• Registrations to close on December 08th – register @ www.midnightmarathon.in
• The theme this year will be ‘Run For Safe City’
Bengaluru, Wednesday, November 20, 2024: The 17th edition of the PhonePe Bengaluru Midnight Marathon (BMM), organized by Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor (RBITC), is set to light up the city on December 14, 2024. As the world’s first night marathon, BMM has evolved into a prestigious event, attracting over 11,000 runners annually and is a proud member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
The theme for this year’s BMM is aptly chosen as “Run for Safe City” considering the need to create more awareness for safety all around us. Thousands of runners, athletes, corporates, and NGOs will join the race at KTPO, Whitefield on Saturday, December 14th, 2024.
This year’s marathon also carries a special significance as RBITC continues its commitment to social causes by shining a spotlight on India’s exceptional para-athletes. “Rotary’s ethos for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and support for the underrepresented is further exemplified by honoring these athletes who inspire with their spirit and resilience,” mentioned Jagadish Gokavarapu, President Rotary BITC 2024-25. Proceeds from the marathon will go towards initiatives for para-athlete development, alongside RBITC’s ongoing projects in education, healthcare, and the environment.
This year, the marathon proudly features Rakshita Raju, an outstanding para-athlete, as the Brand Ambassador. Her achievements include- Gold Medal in the 1500m T11 event at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games; 5th Position in the 1500m T11 event at the Para Athletics World Championship, Paris 2023; Gold Medals in the 400m and 1500m events at the National Para Athletics Championship, 2023 amongst others. Rakshita’s story of triumph and determination aligns with BMM’s vision of resilience and community support. Her participation aims to inspire runners and raise awareness about the importance of promoting deserving para-athletes.
Introduction of New Race Event: The Disha Habitat 31.6K Run Gul Mohamed Akbar, BMM Race Director stated – “Building on its tradition of innovation, this edition will introduce the 31.6K Run, designed as an intermediary race for participants looking to transition from a Half Marathon to a Full Marathon. The inclusion of this new event showcases BMM’s commitment to supporting runners at various stages of their fitness journey.”
Commenting on the partnership with BMM 2024, Ramesh Srinivasan, Director of Brand Marketing at PhonePe said, “PhonePe and Bengaluru Midnight Marathon have shared a long standing partnership, with this being the 5th annual edition as title sponsors. As a brand, we embrace the belief of ‘Karte Ja, Badhte Ja’ at the core of our philosophy of doing business – and a platform like BMM seemed like the perfect embodiment of that spirit. What makes it even more special is that it’s headlined in none other than our very own city of Bengaluru, home to a vibrant startup ecosystem that we proudly belong to. Together, we’re excited to make this one of the marquee events on the city’s calendar, celebrating community, resilience and the spirit of moving forward!”
Since its inception in 2007, the Bengaluru Midnight Marathon has raised over INR 25 crore for various social projects, making a significant impact on underprivileged communities. The funds raised this year will continue to support Rotary’s flagship initiatives, while a portion will be directed towards nurturing India’s para athletes, giving them the recognition and support they deserve.
Registrations for all race events, including the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Run, 5K Fun Run, BK5K Run (timed), and the new 31.6K Run, are now open. Interested participants can register online at www.midnightmarathon.in. before December 8, 2024.
Ritesh Bindal, Chairman, BMM 2024 shared, “RBITC’s PhonePe Bengaluru Midnight Marathon has received tremendous recognition since its inception with the number of runners growing each year. This year’s BMM promises to be an event of inspiration, community spirit, and impactful change. Join us in celebrating the power of perseverance, inclusivity, and the spirit of Bengaluru.”
Today Running is the fastest growing sporting activity in India, especially in fitness-conscious cities like Bengaluru. There are 1,600 running events in the country. The sponsorship paradigm is second only to cricket. Over 2.5 million runners participate annually across the country, raising awareness for various social causes. The BMM stands out for its international reputation, drawing participants from 21 countries.
More on the race at www.midnightmarathon.in or write to info@midnightmarathon.in
BMM 2024 Events and Schedule on Race Day – December 14, 2024
1. Fastenal BK5K Run (Timed) 06.30 pm
2. Wissen 5K Fun Run (Non-Timed) 06:40 pm
3. Rotary Cup Challenge 08:10 pm
4. Prime VP #FittestStartupChallenge 08:15 pm
5. Akamai 10K Run 08:30 pm
6. PhonePe Full Marathon 11.00 pm
7. Disha Habitat 31.6K Run 11:10 pm
8. Agriplast Half Marathon 11:25 pm