# Marathon complaints prompt organisers to promise changes 2026-09-27T20:25:44+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 3 independent outlets More than 45,000 runners took part in the 13th edition of the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon on Sunday, September 27. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara attended, and fitness celebrity Mandira Bedi flagged off the half marathon. Bugatha Srinu won the men's full marathon, while Bhagirathi won the women's category. However, several participants complained about empty water stations after the 10-km mark and congestion where full and half marathon runners merged with 5K and 10K participants. The Hindu and New Indian Express reported that runner Ekta Sirohi said she was 'highly disappointed' by the lack of water. Some well-wishers bought water from nearby shops for runners. NEB Sports CMD Nagaraj Adiga acknowledged the lapses. He said the organisers would consider distributing water bottles instead of reusable cups and may hold the 10K and 5K on a separate day in future editions to avoid route merging. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The Hindu published two articles on the same event: one a neutral report on participation and winners, another a detailed critical account of organisational failures. New Indian Express also led with runner complaints. Deccan Herald covered a separate Wipro employee run with no mention of issues. The critical pieces framed water shortages and crowding as major lapses despite organisers' green principles, while the celebratory report omitted problems entirely. Together, they show a marathon that drew a large turnout but left many runners dissatisfied. The organisers' promise to review logistics for 2027 will determine whether complaints are addressed. ## Coverage - thehindu.com (government critical) Leads with inadequate water and congestion, quotes unhappy runners and organiser's admission. - thehindu.com (government critical) Leads with inadequate water and congestion, quotes unhappy runners and organiser's admission. - deccanherald.com (neutral report) Covers a separate Wipro employee run, no overlap with the marathon complaints. - newindianexpress.com (neutral report) Reports runner complaints and organiser response without additional framing. Tags: Bengaluru, Bhagirathi, NEB Sports, Wipro Bengaluru Marathon Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/45000-run-bengaluru-marathon-water-shortage-mars-event/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/45000-run-bengaluru-marathon-water-shortage-mars-event/#story-in-brief