Philanthropy & Social impact
The JBG Kolkata Marathon has always believed that every stride carries the power to change a life — and this year, that belief finds its most meaningful expression yet.
For the first time ever, we are joining hands with India Cares Foundation, championing the dreams of communities across India through the power of collective giving. This powerful association fuels our vision of a compassionate nation, giving every runner a cause worth running for — and every donation a story worth telling.
And the impact doesn't stop there. Our partnership with ICFN brings together Civil Society Organisations, passionate individuals, and changemakers — uniting their unmatched dedication and commitment to health, education, and livelihoods to transform thousands of lives.
The JBG Kolkata Marathon is more than just a race. It's a celebration of empathy, purpose, and giving — where seasoned philanthropists, first-time donors, enthusiastic citizens, and communities in need all come together to chase one goal. Guided by our motto Run for a Cause and theme Feels like Joy, this edition is dedicated to building a more compassionate Bengal and a kinder India.
In 2026, generosity will know no boundaries… and hope will run through every heart on the streets of Kolkata.
About India Cares Foundation
"India Cares Foundation is a cause-neutral organisation committed to strengthening India's social sector by helping nonprofits build sustainable communication and fundraising programmes through Running and Other Events.
While India Cares also does projects in the areas of Water & Conservation; Gaps in Govt. School Infrastructure, Disaster Relief, the primary objective has been supporting any individual or NGO that can make the Society better.
Since 2008, the Foundation has worked alongside Civil Society, Corporate, individuals, Groups to turn generosity into lasting impact."
JBG Kolkata Marathon’s Happiness Hack
"Emphasising the common emotions of Running and Giving – stress reduction, mood booster, and improves social bonds!
The JBG Kolkata Marathon is more than a race. Every runner has a reason to run. Some run to challenge themselves, some for better health, and some to celebrate life. Through our philanthropy programme, every runner also has the opportunity to #reducesocialdistances
As the Official Philanthropy Partner, India Cares Foundation brings together Civil Society Organisations (CSOs/ NGOs), runners, corporates, donors, and volunteers on one platform where every kilometre of running and every finish line marks the beginning of new possibilities for someone in need."
India Cares Impact
- 1,778+ Civil Society Organisations associated
- 5,994+ individual fundraisers inspired
- 2.49 lakh+ donors connected with causes
- 2 lakh+ citizens engaged
- 481 corporate partners
- ₹125 Crore+ raised for social causes
- ₹31 Crore+ in CSR projects facilitated
- 15 lakh+ lives positively impacted”
"At the JBG Kolkata Marathon, this journey continues—one runner, one fundraiser, and one act of kindness at a time."
Why Run for a Cause?
"There is something special about knowing that your run means more than reaching the finish line. When you choose to run for a cause, every training session, every step, and every cheer along the route becomes part of a larger story. Your friends, family, and colleagues become part of that journey by supporting the cause you care about.
Together, you help organisations continue their work, reach more people, and create lasting change where it matters most.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful finish line is the one someone else gets to cross because you chose to run."
How Fundraising Works
"Getting started is simple.
Choose a Cause AS an Individual,
Group or Company choose a participating CSO/ NGO whose impact you want to Support: NGOs@JBGKolkataMarathon
Make a Donation and/or Create Your Fundraising Page
India Cares Foundation will help you set up your personalised fundraising page, write to jbgkolkatamarathon@icfn.in
Share Your Journey
Invite your family, friends, colleagues, and community to support your run with donations. Together, we can create a world where generosity isn’t just an occasional act— a way of life, just as Running is your way of Life!"
Kolkata Marathon Medical Army (KMMA)
At JBG Kolkata Marathon, passion powers every stride—preparedness safeguards it.
The 10th Edition debuted the Kolkata Marathon Medical Army (KMMA)—a pioneering force redefining event safety. Not just stationed along the route, KMMA volunteers ran alongside participants, delivering instant support wherever needed, equipped with personal medical kits stocked for first aid, fatigue, dehydration, and emergencies.
Partnering with Iris Hospital, Kolkata, they mastered CPR, Basic Life Support (BLS), and marathon-specific protocols—ensuring elite athletes and first-timers alike felt secure from start to finish.
At JBGKM, safety doesn't trail the race. It runs with you.
The Soundtrack of the Streets – Song Launch: Cholo Dourai
Every great marathon has a rhythm.
In Kolkata, that rhythm found its voice in “Cholo Dourai.”
Launched as the official anthem of the JBG Kolkata Marathon 10th Edition, Cholo Dourai is more than just a song — it is an emotion that mirrors the pulse of the city and the spirit of its runners.
Conceptualized, written, and composed by Kaustav Banerjee, and brought to life through the evocative voice of Surjo Bhattacharjee, the track captures the essence of movement — the anticipation at the start line, the grit through every kilometer, and the euphoria of crossing the finish.
Blending contemporary sound with the cultural soul of Kolkata, the anthem resonates with both seasoned runners and first-time participants. It became a unifying thread throughout the marathon journey — from training playlists to race-day energy.
Available on Gaana, Apple Music, Jio Saavn, Spotify and Youtube Cholo Dourai quickly evolved into a motivational companion, encouraging runners to push limits and embrace the joy of the run.
Because sometimes, it’s not just your heartbeat you run to —
It's the music that carries you forward.
