Hyderabad launches India’s first year-long city running slam, first race to be held on May 24

A new chapter in India’s running culture begins with the launch of the Hyderabad City Slam, a first-of-its-kind year-long running challenge designed to bring together runners of all abilities, from beginners taking their first steps to experienced athletes chasing podium finishes.

The Hyderabad City Slam (https://www.instagram.com/hyderabadcityslam/) introduces a progressive endurance format in which participants commit to completing a series of three races over the year, building stamina, discipline, and consistency over time. Rather than a single-race day experience, the Slam is designed as a journey of transformation for the city’s running community.

The three races that form the Hyderabad City Slam include:

1) 10K Summer Run – May 24 at the iconic Hussain Sagar

2) 16.1 KM (10 Miles) Monsoon Run – August (date to be announced)

3) 21.1 KM Half Marathon Winter Run – January (date to be announced)

Participants must complete all three races consecutively to officially finish the Slam. Runners can begin their journey at any race, but skipping an edition resets their Slam progress – encouraging consistency and long-term commitment.

The Slam has been designed around three core principles: inclusivity, city pride, and women’s participation.

Hyderabad City Slam does not include a full marathon

Unlike traditional endurance challenges, the Hyderabad City Slam intentionally does not include a full marathon category, making the format accessible to newer runners. With relaxed cut-off times and structured guidance through community training programs, even someone starting from a sedentary lifestyle can train and complete the 10K and gradually progress toward longer distances.

The 10K Summer Run will be held at the iconic Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad on May 24 

Another major objective is to position Hyderabad as one of India’s premier running destinations. For years, runners have had to travel across cities to participate in endurance races. The Hyderabad City Slam aims to create a homegrown endurance legacy, showcasing the city’s iconic running routes while strengthening the local running ecosystem.

Women’s participation is also a key focus of the initiative. The Slam aims to actively increase female participation, highlight inspiring women runners from Hyderabad, and build a safe and supportive environment for women in sport.

Commitment to build a stronger running culture: Goel

“This initiative is about creating something bigger than just a race,” said Vivek Goel, founder of The High Five Tribe. “The Hyderabad City Slam is a commitment to building a stronger running culture in our city. We want beginners to feel confident starting their journey, experienced runners to push their limits, and the entire community to come together around fitness and discipline. Hyderabad has the potential to become one of India’s great running cities, and this Slam is a step toward that vision.”

The Hyderabad City Slam is being organised by High Five Tribe, with support from HMDA, the department of sports, and the department of tourism, government of Telangana, along with collaboration from the city’s growing running ecosystem. Beyond the finish line, the Slam will also support social impact initiatives, including Mallikamba School in Warangal and selected NGOs in Hyderabad working across education, health, and community welfare.

Registrations are now open

Participants will compete in age-category divisions for both men and women, with podium finishes awarded to the top three runners in each category. Special recognition will also be given to runners who successfully complete all three races and earn the title of Hyderabad City Slam Finisher.

Runners across the country are invited to join the movement and begin their Slam journey.

Registrations for the 10K Summer Run on May 24 are now open. Interested can register on https://www.ifinish.in/running/HCS10K