NATIONAL, FEBRUARY 22nd , 2026: The Cognizant New Delhi Marathon 2026 (CNDM) witnessed a standout performance from ASICS athletes as they claimed top honours in the elite categories, setting the tone for a high-intensity race day in the capital. Flagged off by ASICS athlete and world-renowned tennis player Rohan Bopanna, the marathon saw Kartik Karkera surge to first place in the Elite Men’s category with a timing of 02:13:10, while Bhagirathi secured second position in the Elite Women’s category at 02:43:28, as thousands of runners powered through Delhi’s streets in a celebration of endurance, discipline and determination.
The commanding performances reinforced ASICS’ growing leadership in India’s distance-running ecosystem and reflected the brand’s continued investment in athlete development and performance innovation.
Central to ASICS’ engagement at CNDM 2026 was its emphasis on holistic runner support, led by the ASICS House, a dedicated post-race engagement area created for runners across categories. The space served as a hub for relaxation, interaction and rejuvenation, with photo zones and feedback installations, helping complete the marathon journey with meaningful mementos and memorable experiences. These initiatives reflected the brand’s belief that sustainable performance is built through mindfulness while fostering deeper engagement with the running community. Along the race route, ASICS further strengthened runner engagement through a dedicated Motivation Zone, where members of the ASICS Run Club (ARC) encouraged and energised participants, reinforcing the importance of mental resilience and community support in completing long-distance challenges.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South ASIA, said, “CNDM 2026 reflects how India’s running ecosystem is steadily evolving from participation to performance. The consistency and resilience demonstrated by runners across categories, highlights the growing focus on structured training and holistic wellbeing. At ASICS, we believe great performance is built on a strong foundation of physical preparedness and mental balance. Guided by our ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ philosophy, we remain committed to investing in innovation, community platforms and athlete development to support runners at every stage of their journey. We extend our sincere gratitude to Kartik Karkera and Bhagirathi for their dedication, discipline and outstanding performance, which continue to inspire the broader running community.”
ASICS’ third consecutive partnership with the CNDM reflects its long-term vision of shaping a structured and sustainable running culture in India. Alongside other flagship marathon events across India, the brand continues to build consistent platforms that encourage progression, safe participation and long-term performance.
By combining elite athlete support, community engagement and innovation-led gear, ASICS continues to play a defining role in strengthening India’s distance-running movement and advancing the transformative philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’.
