PANAJI
Athlete Lakshmeesha C S and Therapist Carmisa Pereira won the male and female categories respectively in the 32-km under 45 age group at the I-Run Goa Marathon 2026 on Sunday, January 4, while 50-year old Janesh Uttam Naik won in the male category respectively in the 32-km above 45 age group.
In the 32-km male category under 45 age group, winner Lakshmeesha C S clocked in two hours, five minutes and 58 seconds while in the female open category, Carmisa Pereira won first place clocking in three hours, 17 minutes and ten seconds.
“I started running in 2006 when I was 11 years old and began regular training in 2014. This was my first time running the I-Run Goa Marathon, and I’m very happy to have won my first-ever marathon here,” said 31 year old Lakshmeesha C S from Mysore.
“This was my first 32 km race. I have previously participated in two races in London—a 10 km and a 21 km—but running in my homeland is a completely different and indescribable feeling,” said therapist Carmisa Pereira, 26, from Nuvem, currently based in London, who is also a personal trainer.
Participants kicked off the new year on the run, as the latest edition of the I-Run Goa Marathon, organized by the I-Help Foundation, Goa, saw over 1,650 registrations from runners across the state and country.
The marathon presented by Sandu Pharmaceuticals, powered by Sumit Builders and Developers, and co-powered by SSRC Logistics Goa, also saw participants from the armed forces, Goa Police, and around 30 para-athletes, reinforcing its inclusive and community-driven spirit.
The guests of honour were Pallavi Dempo, businesswoman and philanthropist and Naseema Arewale, businesswoman and co-founder of I-Help Foundation Goa and I-Run Goa Marathon. And Umesh Sandu - Director of Sandu Pharmaceuticals. Mitaram Jangid - Director and Founder of Sumit Group and Chaudhry - Director of SSRC logistics also joined the guests of honour in prize distribution.
“This year, we introduced a 32 km category, and the response has been amazing. It’s been wonderful to see so many runners take on the challenge and enjoy the experience, said Praveen Maurya, founder and spokesperson of the I-Run Goa Marathon.
The "Run for a Cause" marathon, which saw participants from the armed forces, Goa Police and para-athletes, featured the 32-km run starting at 4:30 AM from Goa University in Taleigao. Participants traversed scenic routes through Dona Paula and Miramar, supported by dedicated volunteers along the route.
“Running has many benefits—it improves stamina, boosts mental wellbeing, and is overall really helpful for everyone. This was a great initiative and The I-Help Foundation is supporting important social causes like sanitation, education, and health, which is truly commendable,” said Pallavi Dempo.
In the 21-km male category under 45 age group, Boby Nayak emerged winner while in the female category, Hansine Benoite topped first place. The 21-km male category above 45 saw Parasaram Kunagi emerge winner while in the female category, Ghazi Tanna topped first place.
In the 10-km male category under 45 age group, Amir khan won first place while in the female category, Mitali Pankaj took the first place. The 10-km male category above 45 age group saw Pavan Kumar win first place while in the female category, Dakshayani Murgod emerged as winner.
In the 5-km male category under 45 age group, Hari Velip won first place while in the female category Dnyaneshwari Vikas Teli emerged winner. The 5-km male category above 45-age group saw Anand Madkaikar emerge winner while in the female category, Correya Lavina Cornelia topped first place.
On early Sunday morning, Sunil Fitness Wave fired up a dynamic warm-up session to get the participants prepared for the run. Fourteen water stations were set up, offering glucose and fruits at each hydration point, along with breakfast counters. On-site physiotherapists and doctors were also available to assist in case of any emergency. No winners were declared for the untimed 5-km and 2-km runs.
