The 2026 Times Internet Half Marathon brought together over 15,000 runners, including three women in the 10K women’s division, showing us what running is really about.For three unforgettable days, the city came alive. From March 27th to 28th, the Times Internet Marathon Expo was bustling with energy, music, laughter, and the power that only thousands of people can create. Then comes race day on March 29th. More than 15,000 runners took to the road, each with their own story. In the women’s 10K category, three women crossed the finish line, not just on the podium but as real-life symbols of sport, sacrifice and sheer willpower.Pooja MandalWomen’s 10k ChampionChip time: 00:36:18Pooja Mandal’s journey to the podium is not just a sports story but a story of survival and love. At 28, she was burdened with the burdens of life that required her to grow up quickly. Pooja faces a crossroads when she loses her father. She chose to run away, not to escape sadness, but to experience sadness. Running became her livelihood, career, and future path. With her sights firmly set on qualifying for the Asian Games, every game brings her one step closer to the dream she built from the ground up.“For me, this is the best marathon of the season. The prize money, the arrangements, everything is the best and the Times Internet Marathon gave us everything we needed.”On March 29, she won more than just one game. She ran for her father, for her future, and for every athlete who turns pain into purpose. The gold was hers in every sense of the word.
Radha KishoriWomen’s 10K runner-upChip time: 00:39:13Radha Kishori’s story is filled with honest courage. She started training as soon as she reported in and didn’t waste a day. What is her reason for running? Fitness, yes, but more importantly, her family environment has been her biggest motivator, pushing her to keep going no matter what.“When I run, I motivate myself by seeing the prizes, because the prizes I get can cover my future expenses.”On the day of the competition, Radha admitted that her timing was not her personal best, but she had perfect timing. But she smiled, called the experience great, and walked off the court with her head held high. This kind of honesty and tenacity is rarer than any race that leads to a podium finish.
SanhamSecond place in women’s 10K groupChip time: 00:39:40In 2021, Sangham tied his shoes for the first time purely for fitness. What started as a casual habit quickly turned into a calling. Now, at just 21, she is a competitive middle-distance runner with dreams far beyond the local finish line where she hopes to qualify for the Asian Games.“I started running just for fitness, but in the process, running chose me.”Times Internet Half Marathon Bronze Medal. Sangham is just getting started.
Every one of the more than 15,000 runners in the Times Internet Half Marathon is a winner. But these three women remind us that the real game is always the game within, and they’re winning every day.
