Over the past two decades, the marathon has become a significant platform uniting purpose and participation on a large scale.

Rahul Narvekar, Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, said, "The Tata Mumbai Marathon is not just an event, but a celebration of individuals and organisations who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It stands as a proud reflection of society coming together - inspiring collective action, recognising selfless efforts, and reinforcing the spirit of partnership for the greater good. It also serves as a powerful reminder that when people unite with purpose, they can create lasting change across communities."

Chhagan Bhujbal, Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Maharashtra, described the marathon as "a powerful symbol of unity and resilience, bringing people together for a shared purpose. Today, it stands as a true festival of Mumbai - celebrated not just by the city, but embraced by participants and audiences from across India and the world."

Ritu Tawde, Mayor of Mumbai, stated, "The Tata Mumbai Marathon reflects the true spirit of Mumbai as a city that believes in coming together and supporting one another. This is not just a race, but a reminder that when people work for others and stand united, the collective strength of the city becomes its greatest power."

Adrian Terron, Head of Corporate Brand and Marketing at Tata Sons, said, "At the Tata Group, we see Tata Mumbai Marathon as a powerful expression of Mumbai's collective spirit - bringing together citizens, institutions, and communities in service of something larger than themselves. An Evening of Gratitude is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank all those who make this movement possible. The remarkable growth in funds raised for charity this year is a testament to what purposeful partnerships can achieve at scale in giving back to the community, which is at the heart of our organisation's own purpose."

Ujjwal Mathur, President of India Business & Strategic Accounts - Growth Markets, TCS, noted, "Since our association with the Mumbai Marathon, TCS has believed in the power of marathons to celebrate health, human connection, and shared progress. The Tata Mumbai Marathon exemplifies this belief, where data, technology and purpose come together to turn individual effort into meaningful social change, while strengthening the fabric of our communities."

United Way Mumbai, the event's philanthropy partner, connected donors and fundraisers with registered NGOs, helping raise Rs 60.68 crore this year, an increase from Rs 53.62 crore last year. Total funds raised since inception now exceed Rs 500 crore, marking a milestone for India's largest sporting platform for philanthropy.

Fundraising involved 309 NGOs across 12 cause categories aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. A total of 194 corporates fielded 275 teams, 1,765 active individual fundraisers participated, and 13,580 runners raised funds. Among them, 179 Change Runners raised over Rs 2 lakh each, 19 Young Leaders raised Rs 1 lakh each, and 13 individuals, including two young leaders, raised over Rs 1 crore each in the Change Legend category.

George Aikara, CEO of United Way Mumbai, said, "What makes fundraising at the Tata Mumbai Marathon truly distinctive is the intent behind participation. People are not fundraising because they need to run - they are choosing to run because they want to support a cause they believe in. This creates a model that is open, inclusive, and deeply purpose-driven. It leads to more authentic engagement, stronger connections between nonprofits and supporters, and ultimately, more meaningful and sustained impact."

The platform has helped redefine philanthropy through sport, encouraging collaboration and structure within India's social sector while engaging corporates and inspiring young philanthropists.

Shreepad Shende, Chief Marketing Officer of IDFC FIRST Bank, said, "The Tata Mumbai Marathon has emerged as a credible platform for philanthropy over a period, translating individual participation into meaningful societal impact. At IDFC FIRST Bank, Social Good is integral to how we operate, and our association with this initiative reflects the Bank's commitment to cause positive societal change. The Gratitude Awards recognise what collective action can achieve when the purpose is supported by strong partnerships and accountability."

The successful organisation of the marathon was supported by multiple stakeholders. Mumbai Police ensured safety and security with meticulous route planning and management. Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital provided medical support to participants. Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation promoted inclusivity by expanding accessibility. Media outlets, including Mid-day, significantly amplified the event's reach, while content creators and run clubs such as Hyderabad Runners Society and Striders Miles India encouraged participation.

Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, commented, "The Tata Mumbai Marathon humbly stands as proof that when sport aligns with a vision for a better society, it can reshape how cities move, give and grow. Today, we are witnessing a meaningful shift in the culture of giving and a reinforced bond with society. Run clubs and the wider ecosystem are emerging as vital enablers, nurturing participation and accelerating the growth of running as a movement, deeply connected to people and communities. Furthermore, our city and state authorities, sponsors, and the media continue to build momentum through selfless contributions. 'An Evening of Gratitude' is both a celebration of this shared journey and a reaffirmation of the path ahead."

Award recipients included:

• Highest fundraising NGOs: Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care (Rs 13,02,50,019), United Way Mumbai (Rs 4,67,04,030), ADHAR (Rs 3,67,07,538), Indian Cancer Society (Rs 3,16,07,301), Light of Life Trust (Rs 2,97,62,549)
• Highest fundraising corporate teams included Resowhiz Biz Solutions Private Limited (Rs 2,70,78,661 for ADHAR) and Diatrends Jewellery Pvt. Ltd. (Rs 1,15,07,400 for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care)
• Change Legends (individuals raising over Rs 1 crore) included Villy Doctor, Dr Bijal Mehta, Mrugank Paranjape, Ajay Mehta, Sadashiv Rao, Utppal Mehta, Sunit Kothari, Dr Meera Mehta, and Shyam Jasani
• Change Icons and Change Champions raised between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 1 crore
• Youth leaders under 21 years raising at least Rs 1 lakh included Shaurya Banga and Sophie Shah

Special recognition awards were presented to Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital for medical support, Mumbai Police for public service, Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation for inclusion efforts, Mid-day for editorial contributions, Nelson Carvalho for digital content creation, and to run clubs Hyderabad Runners Society and Striders Miles India for encouraging participation.

Best Published Photograph Awards went to Sanjay Hadkar (winner), Satej Shinde (1st runner-up), and Arun Patil (2nd runner-up).