Bangalore, 24th March
2025.
The Bidadi
Industries Association Foundation (BIAF) successfully hosted the 2nd
edition of the Toyota Bidadi Half Marathon on 23rd March 2025
at Jollywood Studios, nestled in the scenic Bidadi Industrial Area on the
outskirts of Bengaluru. Centred around the theme “Run for Safety &
Sustainability,” witnessed a turnout of over 4,500 registered
participants from diverse walks of life—highlighting a rising passion for
fitness, road safety awareness, and environmental responsibility. Toyota
Kirloskar Motor, given its strong commitment to road safety and
sustainability, proudly supported the event as the Title Sponsor.
India continues to
grapple with alarming road safety challenges—over 1,50,000 fatalities occur
annually due to road crashes, making it the highest globally. Shockingly, road
traffic injuries remain the leading cause of death among individuals aged 5 to
29 years. In this backdrop, the marathon stood as a meaningful platform to
raise awareness, advocate responsible road behaviour, and inspire change.
The marathon served as
a powerful testament to community spirit, resilience, and collective action,
bringing together participants from over 30 industries, fitness enthusiasts,
community members, and a remarkable group of more than 1,000 runners from
Toyota Kirloskar Motor.
The event also saw the
active participation of key government official from Ramanagara—Mr.
Yashwanth Gurukar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner; underscoring the strong,
shared commitment to promoting health, safety, and sustainability, reinforcing
the marathon’s deeper purpose beyond the run.
Present at the
occasion, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President and
Head State Affairs, Toyota Kirloskar Motorsaid,
“At Toyota, we strongly believe in empowering communities through
sustainable initiatives that promote health, safety, and well-being. The Toyota
Bidadi Half Marathon is more than just a race—it is a testament to our vision
of creating a fitter, safer, and more environmentally responsible future. By
bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, industries, and
communities, this marathon has demonstrated the power of unity in driving
meaningful change. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiastic participation
and unwavering support received from all stakeholders.Toyota remains committed
to championing such initiatives that inspire people to take charge of their
fitness while advocating for road safety and sustainability.”
As part of a broader
awareness drive, the marathon featured impactful road safety hoardings,
street plays, and skits led by students and volunteers to educate
participants and spectators on responsible road behaviour and sustainability.
The active involvement of children and youth fostered deeper community
engagement, reinforcing the event’s inclusive spirit. With race categories for
all fitness levels—including 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K Timed Runs, and a fun-filled
3K MajjaRun—the event drew participants from all walks of life, including
senior citizens, bureaucrats, and community members, who were recognized and
awarded for their commitment to health, safety, and the environment.
The BIA Foundation,
established in 2023 and formally registered under the Indian Trust Act,
continues to drive impactful community development initiatives across the
Ramanagara district. Powered by the collective contributions of industries
in and around the Bidadi Industrial Area, the foundation remains committed to
creating sustainable, long-term change. The Toyota Bidadi Half Marathon was not
just a celebration of physical endurance—it was a rallying call for health,
safety, and sustainability. By bringing together individuals, industries,
and institutions for a common cause, the event left a lasting imprint on the
community, reinforcing the values of unity, awareness, and collective
responsibility that lie at the heart of the foundation’s mission.