MUMBAI: When the starting gun goes off this August, thousands of runners in Mumbai and Bengaluru will do more than just race—they’ll wear a movement. Puma India has signed a multi-year deal with NEB Sports to become the official sportswear partner for the Mumbai Half Marathon and the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon, two of the country’s most celebrated road races.
The eight edition of the Mumbai Half Marathon is set for 17 August 2025, while the 12 Wipro Bengaluru Marathon will be held on 21 September. Puma’s partnership includes 360-degree support: training runs, race-day performance gear, and post-race assistance. The tie-up is part of the brand’s larger ambition to fuel India’s transition from casual jogging to serious distance running.
“The sport of Running is transforming India—shaping lifestyles, building communities, and redefining competition. Our partnership with NEB marks Puma’s deeper commitment to fuel this momentum. India has an extremely vibrant community of close to three million registered runners and double-digit growth in marquee events like the Mumbai and Wipro Marathons. We think it is a fantastic opportunity to empower them to chase their goals and go the distance. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to push and elevate the evolution of running in the country”, said Puma India MD Karthik Balagopalan.
The company’s running credentials are backed by performance data. Since October 2024, over 50 per cent of elite podium finishers in five top Indian races wore Puma’s Nitro shoes. The Running division is growing faster than Puma India’s core business, confirming a robust demand for serious running gear.
According to 2024 data, India’s emerging sports business grew 19 per cent year-on-year, with marathons making up 23.5 per cent of the segment. Puma is tapping into this momentum with events, gear, and grassroots activations that turn running into a lifestyle.
“We are thrilled to welcome Puma India on board as our official sportswear partner. At NEB Sports, we have always believed in creating inclusive, eco-conscious sporting experiences that go beyond the racetrack. This association marks an exciting chapter in fostering a culture of health and wellness across communities. Together, we aim to inspire more people to lace up and hit the roads with passion and purpose”, said NEB Sports chairman & MD Nagaraj Adiga.
Puma India’s track record includes supporting events like the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, the high-altitude Ladakh Marathon, and the Adani Marathon. In 2024 alone, it ran over 250 training sessions across cities and introduced formats like the Puma x Bumble Singles Run.