Student-Led Kanyathon 2026 Charity Run Opens Registrations Across Bengaluru, Karjat, and Jammu

Registrations have opened for Kanyathon 2026, India’s largest student-led charity run, which will take place simultaneously in Bengaluru, Karjat and Jammu. Organisers expect more than 4,000 participants—

including runners, walkers, volunteers and corporate partners—to join the 15th edition of the annual event supporting girls’ education and empowerment. The initiative has also received endorsement from the Ministry of Sports as part of the Fit India Movement.

Conceptualised and managed entirely by students from IFIM Institutions, JAGSoM, and Vijaybhoomi University, the charity run converts participation into fundraising for social programmes focused on education, health and digital literacy for girls from vulnerable communities. Launched in 2011 with just 400 participants, the initiative has grown into a nationwide movement engaging students, NGOs, companies and communities to tackle gender inequality linked to poverty and systemic barriers.

Mrs. Kalpana Padode, Governing board member, Vijaybhoomi University said, “Kanyathon isn’t just a student-led charity run, it is a movement. When students take ownership of social change, they do not just raise funds they raise aspirations. Every step taken in Kanyathon is a step toward ensuring that no girl’s dream is limited by her circumstances. Through nine Kanyathon Shiksha Kendras (KSKs) established in government schools across Karnataka and Maharashtra, the movement has already impacted over 1,000 students through structured programmes in spoken English, computer literacy, and health and hygiene education. The initiative also focuses on infrastructure upgrades, including computer labs, classroom improvements, and sanitation facilities to create safe and enabling learning environments”

The 2026 edition will feature 3 km walkathons, 5 km and 10 km timed runs, professional runs, family runs, fitness activities and e-gaming competitions. This year marks the first time the event will be hosted in Jammu, expanding the initiative’s geographical reach. Proceeds from registrations and partnerships will fund structured interventions in education, health, digital literacy and livelihood development for girls in high-risk communities.

Beyond the race itself, the campaign has already benefited more than 1,000 students through nine Kanyathon Shiksha Kendras in government schools across Karnataka and Maharashtra. It also supports the education of 20 daughters of commercial sex workers from Budhwar Peth in Pune and Kamathipura in Mumbai, helping them pursue higher education in fields such as Social Work, Business Administration and Psychology. Additional programmes include scholarships for meritorious girls from economically weaker families, mid-day meals in partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, and menstrual hygiene initiatives aimed at improving school attendance and dignity for adolescent girls.

Organisers are inviting corporates to support the campaign through CSR partnerships, sponsorships and employee engagement initiatives. Registrations for individuals, families, corporates and student groups are now open across the 3 km, 5 km and 10 km categories, with each entry contributing toward educational opportunities for the girl child.