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Wipro Bengaluru Marathon Faces Backlash Over Water Shortage, Overcrowding; Organizers Respond
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News18•28-09-2026, 10:36
Wipro Bengaluru Marathon Faces Backlash Over Water Shortage, Overcrowding; Organizers Respond
- •The 13th Wipro Bengaluru Marathon drew heavy criticism from over 42,000 participants regarding severe water shortages, inadequate toilet facilities, and significant overcrowding.
- •Runners described a "post-apocalyptic scene" with people desperate for water, especially between the 6-km and 17-km marks, leading to concerns about dehydration and potential health risks.
- •Participants, including Shaaz A Khan and Srini Swaminathan, took to X to share their negative experiences, highlighting issues like "stampede-like situations" and calling the event "awfully mismanaged."
- •Another runner, Shritilekha, labeled the marathon a "logistical disaster," citing public health hazards due to water scarcity past the 10km mark and the alleged recycling of unwashed plastic cups.
- •NEB Sports chairman Nagaraj Adiga acknowledged lapses, attributing water supply issues to delays in replenishing water jars at a specific section of the route.
Key Questions Answered
Participants reported severe drinking water shortages, inadequate toilet facilities, heavy overcrowding, and a stampede-like situation during the event held on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
The 13th edition of the marathon was organised by NEB Sports in association with the Karnataka Athletics Association, Wipro Bangalore, and Shriram Properties.
NEB Sports chairman and managing director Nagaraj Adiga acknowledged that there were lapses during the event, stating that delays in replenishing water jars at one section of the route affected supplies.
