With the extraordinary celebration of youth, fitness and determination on Sunday morning, the first edition of World Junior 10K Run 2026 was successfully held at Gachibowli Stadium. The event was organised by Spotonn Sports with a timed competitive running event for kids in India’s fitness landscape, with young runners at the heart of the managed event. The event held on February 1, 2026 featured the theme “The Future Runs Here” for children aged 3 to 18. Many families have gathered in the early hours to celebrate discipline, health and confidence.
The event began at 4:30 AM, with a beautiful atmosphere as it started before sunrise. The Junior 10K Run's primary goal is to inspire long-term, healthy habits among children with structured, competitive running. Jogging at a young age helps with discipline, goal-setting and self-belief by making fitness a daily activity. The event had multiple race categories to cater to a wide range of abilities. From the highly competitive 10K Champions category to the fun 1KM category for the youngest participants, which was curated by providing a safe, motivating and memorable experience for children. The timed category for specially-abled children in the events philosophy earned widespread appreciation from parents and the fitness community alike.
iFinish has contributed as the official registration partner for the event. Starting from online registration to bib distribution and data management for organisers has been efficiently handled by iFinish. They played a key role in large-scale registrations with efficiency and accuracy. The registration process helped organisers maintain precise data for the event's smooth operation. With the ease offered by iFinish, organisers had the real-time participant data and streamlined coordination. The partnership with iFinish ensured that technology supported the event’s mission of accessibility, professionalism and trust.
The 10KM Champions flag off began at 5:15 AM, followed by the 5 KM, 3 KM and the 1 KM wait costume run, which brought smiles and cheers across the stadium. Everyone has encouraged the participants with smiles and applause by creating a festive atmosphere for young runners. Dignitaries and officials hosted the event to emphasise the importance of fitness at a young age. The official event poster had earlier been unveiled by Sri Sana Sathish Babu, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Hon. Secretary of the Andhra Cricket Association and Member of the BCCI Infrastructure Committee, lending strong institutional support to the initiative. The event also received encouragement from superior figures, including Smt. Gadwal Vijayalaxmi, Hon’ble Mayor of GHMC and popular public figure Emmanuel, who helped amplify the message of youth fitness.
Manvith was an eight-year-old fitness enthusiast who was the youngest event mentor. His presence added a positive spirit to the event by proving that age is not a barrier to an active lifestyle. The event organiser had high standards of safety, medical support, hydration and route management throughout the event. Fun activity zones and post-run engagement added to the experience, making the event enjoyable not only for runners but also for families. All participants have received a race kit and post-run benefits, reinforcing the organisers commitment to children. As the World Junior 10K Run 2026 was strengthened with key partners and institutions, including Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), SATG, Akshara International Schools and Qua Nutrition, along with mentors such as Dr Shalini Dixit, who actively promoted the importance of child fitness and balanced nutrition.
The maiden edition of the World Junior 10K Run has set a powerful foundation for a nationwide movement dedicated to children’s fitness. By blending professional event management, reliable technology support from iFinish and a powerful social cause, Spotonn Sports has created a platform that nurtures the next generation of healthy, confident and resilient individuals.
As Hyderabad witnessed this inspiring beginning, one message stood tall above all others, the future of fitness has already begun and it runs on young feet.
The Future Runs Here.
