Pune Run for Unity 2026 on November 1: Start Times, Race Categories and What Runners Need to Know
Pune Run for Unity 2026 is on Sunday, 1 November, from S.P. College ground on Tilak Road. Here are flag-off times, race categories and tips for runners.
Photo: Himanshu Rane / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pune, 31st October 2026: Today is Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Pune’s big run to mark it happens tomorrow. The second edition of the Pune Run for Unity will be held on Sunday, 1 November 2026, with more than 40,000 participants expected according to the organisers.
The run is led by Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol and organised with the RunBuddies Club. Bajaj Finserv is the principal sponsor, and Pune Municipal Corporation, Pune Police and Maha Metro are among the supporting organisations. This year’s theme is “Drug-Free Youth, Developed India”, aimed at raising awareness about substance abuse among young people.
Venue and flag-off timings
Race listings give the venue as the S.P. College Sports Ground on Tilak Road, Sadashiv Peth. The listed flag-off times on Sunday are:
- 21K half marathon and 10 Miles: 5:00 am
- 10K: 5:30 am
- 5K fun run: 7:15 am
- 3K family run: 7:30 am
Runners are asked to report at least an hour before their flag-off. A 24-hour ultra category was also listed, starting at 4:30 am on Saturday, 31 October.
Five main races, prize money and numbers
The main categories are a 21 km half marathon, a competitive 10-mile run, a competitive 10 km run, a 5 km fun run and a 3 km run for families and beginners. Cash prizes worth more than Rs 10 lakh are on offer across the competitive categories.
Organisers said more than 20,000 people had registered by the time of their announcement. Last year’s first edition drew over 25,000 participants.
Getting there and road closures
Detailed route maps and Pune Traffic Police diversions had not been published when this article was written. Roads around Tilak Road, Sadashiv Peth and the Deccan area are likely to be busy early on Sunday, so plan to reach by two-wheeler drop-off or on foot. Check Pune Metro’s first train timing before relying on it for the early starts; our Pune Metro guide has station details.
Parking near the old city lanes fills up quickly on event mornings. Please avoid parking in front of gates and on footpaths; our guide on how to report bad parking in Pune explains why it matters.
Why October 31
Sardar Patel was born on 31 October 1875, so this year marks his 151st birth anniversary. Since 2014 the date has been observed as National Unity Day, with Run for Unity events held across the country. For other things happening in the city this month, see events in Pune in November 2026.
We will update this article if the traffic police issue a diversion notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pune Run for Unity 2026?
The main races are on Sunday, 1 November 2026. A 24-hour ultra category was listed to start at 4:30 am on Saturday, 31 October.
Where does Pune Run for Unity 2026 start?
Race listings give the venue as the S.P. College Sports Ground, Tilak Road, Sadashiv Peth, Pune.
What are the race categories in Pune Run for Unity?
A 21 km half marathon, a 10-mile run, a 10 km run, a 5 km fun run and a 3 km family and beginners’ run.
What time does the Pune Run for Unity half marathon start?
The 21K and 10-mile runs are listed to flag off at 5:00 am. Runners should report at least an hour earlier.
