Bengaluru marathon makes global strides, adds $8 million to city’s economy

Brand Finance’s Marathons 50 2025 report ranks Bengaluru Marathon among the world’s strongest, with innovation, sustainability, and community engagement setting it apart.

Bengaluru’s fitness culture received a global stamp of recognition with the Marathons 50 2025 report revealing that the Bengaluru Marathon has contributed an estimated USD 8 million to the city’s economy. The event now ranks 47th among the world’s top marathon brands, achieving a Brand Strength Index score of 57.5/100.

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Though the Mumbai Marathon outpaced it with USD 57 million and a global rank of 45, Bengaluru’s edition is carving its own niche by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and active community participation.

The report highlights how the Bengaluru Marathon goes far beyond a running track. Local respondents praised its eco-friendly practices, use of digital technologies, and its ability to engage the city across multiple touchpoints. From runners and spectators to volunteers, donors, fundraisers, and corporate backers, the marathon has become a festival of community spirit.

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Bengaluru’s IT sector is also adding momentum. Major firms like TCS, Infosys, IBM, and Wipro have popularised in-house marathons for employees, amplifying workplace wellness and showcasing the city’s corporate-citizen synergy. These internal events are now drawing global brands for sponsorship and partnerships.

Why This Matters for Bengaluru

The Bengaluru Marathon’s impact extends to economic development, philanthropy, urban branding, and lifestyle transformation. For a city known as India’s tech capital, the marathon is becoming a powerful platform for promoting a healthy, inclusive, and future-forward Bengaluru.

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Global marathon context

•    The London Marathon leads as the world’s strongest with a BSI of 90.1/100.
•    The New York City Marathon is the most valuable, at USD 292 million.
•    The Tokyo Marathon, with a score of 80.0, shines as Asia’s top-ranked marathon.
•    Collectively, the world’s top marathons generated USD 5.2 billion in economic impact and raised USD 425 million for charity in 2024.

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