States » SouthPosted at: Nov 15 2026 8:14PM


UST Trivandrum Marathon attracts over 14,000 runners; Basil Joseph flags off third edition

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (UNI) More than 14,000 runners from over 10 countries and 25 states participated in the third edition of the UST Trivandrum Marathon held here on Sunday, marking a nearly threefold increase in participation since its launch three years ago.
Actor and filmmaker Basil Joseph flagged off the event, organised by UST, a global AI and technology transformation solutions company, in partnership with NEB Sports.
The marathon featured four competitive categories — full marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.1 km), 10K and 5K — besides a special 1K run for childhood cancer survivors at the UST campus. The event began at 3.30 am from the UST campus, with runners covering a loop course through several landmarks in the city before returning to the starting point.
Buhatha Srinu won the men's full marathon, followed by Sandeep V Krishna and Prathamesh Pramkar in second and third positions respectively. In the women's category, Senait Lesharge emerged winner, while Abhilasha Bhagat and S Divya secured the second and third positions.
In the men's half marathon, Himanshu Palariya finished first, followed by Manoj RS and Humen Senapati. Reba Anna George won the women's half marathon, with Fathima Nasla and Pratiksha Choramle finishing second and third respectively.
A total prize money of Rs 25 lakh was distributed among the winners across various categories.
The special 1K run for childhood cancer survivors was organised with the support of the paediatric oncology department of the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram. The marathon also extended support to local palliative care initiatives, with a portion of the proceeds earmarked for UST's corporate social responsibility programmes.
The event was further strengthened by a three-year memorandum of understanding signed with the Sanju Samson Foundation, which served as its community partner. FORTÉ was the platinum sponsor.
The marathon's route has received recognition from the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), enabling participants to use their timings for qualifying for international competitions.
UST President Alexander Varghese said the marathon had evolved beyond a sporting event into a celebration of community spirit, courage and collective purpose. The participation of young cancer survivors alongside thousands of runners reflected the company's commitment to community well-being, he said.
NEB Sports Chairman and Managing Director Nagaraj Adiga said the participation of runners from countries including the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, France and Malaysia, as well as 25 states across India, demonstrated the growing national and international recognition of the event.
Several dignitaries attended the flag-off ceremony, including Deputy Inspector General of Police Ajeetha Begum, IGP South Zone Prakash, Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Anju K S, Olympian and Dronacharya Award winner Vimal Kumar, RCC Director Dr Rejinish Kumar, and UST senior officials.
Australian racing driver Mathias Lauda, a 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship winner, was also among those present.
UNI DS
Tags: #UST Trivandrum Marathon attracts over 14#000 runners; Basil Joseph flags off third edition
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