Bengaluru: The Stonehill Founder’s Day Run 2025, organised by Raadiant Sports and hosted by Stonehill International School, Bengaluru, recorded an overwhelming response on Sunday, September 7, with more than 1,600 runners participating across multiple categories. The annual event, held at the scenic trails of Tarahunise village in North Bengaluru, celebrates the founding of the school in September 2008 by Mr. Jitu Virwani, Chairman and Managing Director of Embassy Group.

Celebrating community and sportsmanship

The run, designed as a community-building initiative, is held every year to mark the school’s founding and promote health, wellness, and camaraderie. Participants this year included corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts, professional runners, and families, making the event a vibrant celebration of both competition and inclusivity.

Joe Lumsden, Head of School at Stonehill International, expressed his delight at the turnout. “It was wonderful to see so many participants on our campus on Sunday morning, enjoying the opportunity to participate in the various races. We are always proud to be able to host such community-building events, and we’re looking forward to next year’s Founder’s Day Run already,” he said.

Race categories and highlights

This year’s edition featured diverse race formats to cater to participants across age groups and fitness levels, including:

  • Half Marathon
  • 10K Run
  • 4 x 5K Corporate Relay (men, women, mixed)
  • Competitive and Fun 5K categories

The mix of serious races and fun runs ensured wide participation, from corporate teams to first-time runners.

Winners in spotlight

In the Half Marathon, Nandan V secured the men’s title (18–30 years) with a timing of 1:37:10, while Sushma Pujari topped the women’s category (18–30 years) with a time of 2:19:50.

The 10K race witnessed impressive performances, with Prajwal Gowda winning the men’s category (16–30 years) in 0:36:40, and Priyanka Singh claiming the women’s title (16–30 years) with a finish of 0:57:09.

In the Corporate Relay, teams representing India’s top companies brought energy and competitiveness to the event:

  • Samsung dominated the men’s category.
  • Deutsche Bank claimed victory in the women’s category.
  • Cargill Business Services India clinched the mixed relay title.

Corporate and community participation

The presence of teams from Samsung R&D Centre, Deutsche Bank, Visa, and Cargill Business Services Indiaunderscored the increasing role of corporates in supporting health and fitness initiatives. Their participation added vibrancy and enthusiasm to the event, with employees turning up in large numbers to cheer their colleagues.

Community engagement was another highlight. Families participated in the fun 5K, while local residents lined up along the route to support the runners, turning the event into a celebration beyond the school campus.

A growing legacy

Since its inception, the Founder’s Day Run has grown steadily, drawing larger crowds every year. The 2025 edition marked a new high, both in terms of participation and competitive spirit, reaffirming its reputation as one of Bengaluru’s most anticipated community sports events.

By blending competitive racing, grassroots participation, and corporate involvement, the event not only celebrated the founding vision of Stonehill International School but also spotlighted Bengaluru’s rising culture of fitness and running.

Conclusion

The Stonehill Founder’s Day Run 2025 was more than just a race; it was a testament to the power of sports in bringing together communities, corporates, and individuals. With over 1,600 participants, multiple race formats, and strong performances across categories, the event stood out as a fitting tribute to the school’s founding vision.

As Bengaluru cements its place as one of India’s leading fitness and running hubs, events like the Stonehill Run will continue to inspire participation, inclusivity, and the pursuit of healthy lifestyles.