IIIT-Bangalore, in proud collaboration with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, hosted the 3rd edition of the much-loved Miles4Meals Marathon 2025 on April 6. With a mission rooted in compassion—supporting midday meals for underprivileged schoolchildren across India—this year’s run wasn’t just about kilometers covered; it was about lives touched.
The morning sun bore witness as Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, officially flagged off the marathon. Adding inspiration to the occasion was Mr. Vinod Sudhakar, Technology Director at The Akshaya Patra Foundation, who joined as the esteemed guest of honour.
Participants chose between 10K and 5K categories, further segmented by gender and age—above and below 50—celebrating inclusivity and the joy of running at every stage of life.
With over 300 runners—from energetic students to graceful senior citizens—the event pulsed with passion and purpose. The atmosphere buzzed with unity, determination, and the collective belief that every step makes a difference.
Winners Who Stole the Show
A prize pool of ₹1,50,000 recognized the top performers, while every finisher was celebrated with a medal and a lifetime certificate for their commitment to a cause greater than themselves.
10K Champions
- Male (U50): Mr. Ergete Fekade Desta
- Male (50+): Mr. Ranjit Shivaji Kanbarkar
- Female (U50): Ms. Alemu Senayit Ayele
- Female (50+): Ms. Amuthanayagi
5K Champions
- Male (U50): Mr. Nithin A S
- Male (50+): Mr. A Baba
- Female (U50): Ms. Impana K R
- Female (50+): Ms. Shyamala
The winners were felicitated on stage by Prof. Debabrata Das, Commodore S.R. Sridhar (Retd.), Registrar, Dr. Neha Arora, Sports Officer, Mr. Jagadish Patil, CAO, and Mr. Vinod Sudhakar, echoing IIIT-B’s spirit of appreciation and excellence.
This marathon was not just about speed—it was about stories. Little 7-year-old Kiara Gupta sprinted into our hearts as the youngest runner, while 75-year-old Saroja M. Thimmegowda proved that spirit knows no age. The crowd cheered loudest for Ms. Arpita Patra, a professor at IISc and an accomplished mountaineer who has scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Elbrus, showing once again that the sky is not the limit.
With energetic Zumba warm-ups, refreshment zones, and on-site medical support, the event ensured wellness in every sense. A cheerful exhibition area with games, food stalls, and fun merchandise brought families, students, and visitors together in celebration.
Most importantly, 100% of the proceeds from Miles4Meals 2025 go directly to the Akshaya Patra Foundation to fuel their mission of serving hot, nutritious meals to children who need them most.
Miles4Meals 2025 wasn’t just a run—it was a ripple of hope, purpose, and unity.
IIIT-Bangalore thanks every participant, volunteer, and partner for making this initiative a grand success. Here’s to running further, reaching higher, and serving better—together.