Thousands Join GTech Marathon for “Drug-Free Kerala”

KOCHI:
In one of Kerala’s largest citizen-driven sporting events for a social cause, more than 10,000 runners from diverse walks of life participated in the fourth edition of the GTech Marathon, held today at Infopark, Kochi. The event coincided with the silver jubilee celebrations of the Group of Technology Companies (GTech).

Carrying the theme “Drug-Free Kerala”, the gender-neutral marathon aimed to promote a healthy society while strengthening awareness against substance abuse. IT professionals, students, fitness enthusiasts, corporate teams, and families came together, transforming the Infopark campus into a vibrant hub of energy, unity, and social commitment.

Organised by GTech, with the support of various citizen-centric organisations, the marathon featured three race categories:

Half Marathon (21.1 km)
10K Timed Run
3K Fun Run

The Half Marathon and 10K runs attracted competitive runners and corporate teams, while the 3K Fun Run witnessed enthusiastic participation from families and children, reinforcing the event’s inclusive and community-focused spirit.

Finishers were awarded medals along with refreshments and breakfast, while winners received special mementos in recognition of their achievements.

V K Mathews, Chairman of GTech and Founder & Executive Chairman of IBS Software, said the overwhelming participation reflects growing public awareness about health, wellness, and social responsibility.

“The scale of participation demonstrates how industry and society can come together to address serious social challenges, including substance abuse among youth,” he said.

Dignitaries present at the event included Kochi Mayor V K Minimol, actress Aditi Ravi, GTech Secretary V. Sreekumar, and Litmus7 CEO Venu Gopalakrishnan, who encouraged the runners.

The event also featured wellness and engagement activities such as Zumba sessions, hydration and medical support stations, professional photography, and volunteer-driven race coordination.

Highlighting the marathon’s growth, Mathews noted that the 2026 edition recorded participation from over 10,000 runners and more than 100 organisations, surpassing previous editions and marking a significant milestone in the marathon’s reach and impact.

Supported by sponsors, institutional partners, healthcare teams, sustainability partners, and volunteers, the marathon concluded successfully.
“With its expanding reach and strong social message, the GTech Marathon continues to inspire collective action towards building a healthier society,” Mathews added.