Dombivli Friendship Run on November 29 aims for 10,000 runners, Rs 3 lakh in prizes

Thousands of runners will take to the streets of Dombivli on November 29, 2026, for the third edition of the 'Dombivlikar Friendship Run 2026', a celebration of health and friendship. The organisers' target is for 10,000 runners to take part this year.

The event is being organised by Kalyan Dombivli Runners (KDR) with the support of 'Dombivlikar Ek Sanskritik Parivar'. It aims to spread a message of health, friendship and unity. This year's theme is 'Celebration of the city of Dombivli'.

On the occasion of Durgashtami, the theme T-shirt and medal of the run were unveiled by Ravindra Chavan, the BJP's Maharashtra state president and MLA from Dombivli. The event will try to showcase Dombivli's cultural heritage, love of art, love of sport and awareness of health.

About 6,000 runners from Kalyan-Dombivli and elsewhere in Maharashtra took part in the previous two editions. Ravindra Sakpal of Kalyan Dombivli Runners said the main aim of the event is to bring the city's residents together and to build friendship and brotherhood through running.

To let professional runners, fitness enthusiasts, families and children all take part, the run has five categories: a 21.1 km timed run, a 10 km timed run, a 5 km timed run, a 5 km fun run and a 1.6 km fun run.

Prizes worth about Rs 3 lakh have been set aside for winners in the timed run categories. Suraj Shetty of Kalyan Dombivli Runners said this will give both experienced and new runners a chance to show their ability.

The 1.6 km fun run for children aged 8 to 16 is completely free. The organisers said the decision was taken so that children develop a liking for exercise from an early age, grow in discipline and confidence, and learn the importance of fitness. They have appealed to as many children and families as possible to take part. Age-group prize amounts and detailed information will be available on the official website and the Instagram page.

The run will be recognised by the Thane District Athletic Association. Every registered participant will get a dry-fit T-shirt, a finisher medal, drinking water and refreshments. Runners in the timed runs will be given a timing chip and a qualification certificate. All participants will receive a participation certificate, and their photographs will be provided free. The organisers will take special care to make the runners' experience safe and well planned. The route will be announced soon.

Those wishing to take part must register by October 31, 2026. The organisers have appealed to experienced and new runners, children, parents and senior citizens from Thane district and across Maharashtra to participate. Registration can be done on the official website, www.dombivlikarfriendshiprun.com.

MLA Ravindra Chavan has also appealed to residents to take part in large numbers. He said the Dombivlikar Friendship Run is not merely a running competition but a celebration that brings the city's residents together. He also asked residents to come out and cheer on the runners to experience the blend of fitness, friendship and Dombivli's culture.