In a move to further strengthen India’s thriving running culture, sports brand PUMA India will introduce a holistic race experience for runners as the Official Sportswear Partner for the upcoming Mumbai Half Marathon and the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon. The partnership will offer participants access to expert-led training runs, race-day performance gear, and comprehensive on-ground support, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to empower the running community across every stage of their journey.
With this tie-up, PUMA aims to deepen its footprint in India’s vibrant running ecosystem, which continues to evolve from a fitness trend into a thriving lifestyle movement and cultural phenomenon.
As part of a strategic collaboration with race organizers NEB Sports Entertainment, PUMA India will power the 8th edition of the Mumbai Half Marathon is set for August 17, followed by the 12th Wipro Bengaluru Marathon on September 21.
Commenting on the partnership, Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of PUMA India, said, “The sport of Running is transforming India—shaping lifestyles, building communities, and redefining competition. Our partnership with NEB marks PUMA’s deeper commitment to fuel this momentum. India has an extremely vibrant community of close to 3 million registered runners and double-digit growth in marquee events like the Mumbai and Wipro Marathons. We think it is a fantastic opportunity to empower them to chase their goals and go the distance. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to push and elevate the evolution of running in the country.”
India's distance running landscape is experiencing rapid growth within the burgeoning sports ecosystem. In 2024, the emerging sports business experienced a 19% year-over-year growth, with marathons accounting for 23.5% of the overall segment. Tapping into this dynamic momentum, PUMA leverages this upswing through diverse initiatives promoting participation, performance, and the cultural importance of running nationwide.
Speaking on the occasion, Nagaraj Adiga, CMD - NEB Sports, said, "We are thrilled to welcome PUMA India on board as our official sportswear partner. At NEB Sports, we have always believed in creating inclusive, eco-conscious sporting experiences that go beyond the racetrack. This association marks an exciting chapter in fostering a culture of health and wellness across communities. Together, we aim to inspire more people to lace up and hit the roads with passion and purpose.”
PUMA’s contribution to the running ecosystem in India goes beyond sponsorships. The brand has powered iconic races like the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, challenged high-altitude conditions at the Ladakh Marathon, and expanded its reach through the Adani Marathon. In 2024 alone, PUMA India executed over 250 Training Runs across cities and introduced unique formats like the PUMA x Bumble Singles Run — cementing its position as a sports brand deeply invested in India’s running culture.
PUMA’s investment in running is backed by the success of one of India’s best-selling performance shoes, NITRO. Since October 2024, over 50% of elite podium finishers across five key Indian races have worn PUMA NITROs, underscoring the franchise’s dominance and trust among top athletes. The sports brand’s Running business unit is also growing faster than PUMA India’s overall business—signaling strong consumer demand.
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