Running for Change: Aftertaste Joins the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026

Running has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Delhi, and some of my favourite childhood memories are of waking up before sunrise, tying my shoelaces next to my dad, and running through the sleepy streets. Back then, it wasn’t about fitness, it was just about feeling free. Over the years, running slowly became my way to reset, clear my mind, and find balance when everything around me felt a little too fast.
 

This year, I’m joining the Aftertaste Foundation for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 – a moment that blends something deeply personal with something deeply purposeful.

The Tata Mumbai Marathon is one of Asia’s most iconic races. Since 2004, it has grown far beyond being just a sporting event. It’s a day when thousands of people come together not just to run, but to stand for causes that matter. It has become India’s largest platform for charity and community impact, turning kilometres into real change.

Asma and Nasreen_aftertaste

For Aftertaste Foundation, TMM 2026 is a chance to bring their mission to an even wider audience. Based in Mumbai, Aftertaste works with women from low-income communities, training them in hand-crafted and hand-painted arts, stationery, and gifting products. These skills help women earn a dignified income and slowly build financial independence. But Aftertaste doesn’t stop at craft training – they offer financial literacy, digital skills, and long-term support that helps women rewrite their futures.

What struck me most is how closely their mission mirrors what running has taught me: discipline, consistency, patience, and believing in yourself even on the tough days. Every woman at Aftertaste is running her own marathon – pushing through barriers, learning something new, and building a life filled with possibilities.

By running with Aftertaste at the marathon, I want to add my voice and effort to theirs. The goal is simple: to raise awareness, to raise funds, and to make sure more women get access to skills and mentorship that can change the trajectory of their lives. The endurance a marathon demands is the same resilience these women live every single day.

How you can participate:

Run TMM physically in Mumbai – or join as a Virtual Runner from anywhere in the world
• Share your training journey – a story, a reel, or even a small post helps spread the word
• Talk about the cause and help amplify Aftertaste’s mission
• Donate to their fundraiser and support the women artisans directly:

Click on the link 
https://www.unitedwaymumbai.org/tmm/view-ngo-1826

So when I line up at the start line this January, I’ll be carrying their stories with me. Every kilometre will remind me why I signed up – that real victory isn’t just crossing the finish line, but knowing that each step contributes to someone else’s journey forward.

Because when we run together for purpose, for people, for change – we don’t just go farther.
We lift each other up along the way.

Picture of Meet Duggal

Meet Duggal

I’m a 20 year old Finance major, part time model with a strong passion for sports and a committed belief in supporting the women of India.

Meet Duggal

I’m a 20 year old Finance major, part time model with a strong passion for sports and a committed belief in supporting the women of India.