Bengaluru, Apr 09: In a move that brings together community participation and access to education, 93.5 Red FM in association with o9 Solutions will host ‘The Walkathon’ in Bengaluru on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 5:30 AM onwards.
Set to take place at St. Joseph’s Indian Institution Grounds, the initiative brings together the city’s communities, corporates, students, and fitness enthusiasts around a shared purpose: to make quality education more accessible through collective action. Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal will attend the event as Chief Guest.
At the heart of this year’s initiative is a simple yet powerful idea: that individual effort, when multiplied at scale, can create meaningful change. Participants can choose to walk 3K, 5K, or 10K, but each registration and every completed walk directly contributes to improving access to education for under-served children.
Ten per cent of every ticket will support the literacy programmes, while o9 Solutions will contribute ₹500 for every finisher, ensuring that participation translates into real, on-ground learning support.
Carrying the message, “Step Forward, Give Back,” the Walkathon turns collective participation into access to AI-powered tutors through U&I’s programmes. These tutors provide personalised, one-on-one learning support, helping children build foundational reading skills at their own pace- something many do not have access to. In practical terms, every step taken at the Walkathon helps move a child closer to consistent, personalised learning support, bridging gaps that often determine whether they keep up or fall behind in school.
In the lead-up to the main event, 93.5 Red FM will also host a four-day yoga workshop across Bengaluru, with two sessions at Lalbagh and two at Cubbon Park on April 5, 7, 9, and 10. The initiative is aimed at encouraging citizens to embrace fitness and mindful living, while building momentum and awareness around the Walkathon.
Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Mr. Siva K., Chief Operating Officer, KAL Radio Ltd., the company that operates 93.5 RED FM and Suryan FM, said, “At 93.5 Red FM, we believe that true progress is a blend of innovation and impact. ‘The Walkathon’ is a meaningful step in that direction—bringing together fitness, community, and purpose. What makes this initiative special is its ability to combine fitness with a powerful social cause. It’s inspiring to see Bengaluru come together for a cause that creates real, lasting change.”
Sharing her thoughts on the initiative, Olympic medallist and Chief Guest Saina Nehwal, whose journey has inspired millions, said, “Fitness has always been a big part of my life, and the badminton court has taught me that even the smallest step forward takes you closer to a bigger goal. On 10th May, I invite Bangalore to walk with purpose as part of the Red FM Walkathon, because every step you take will help provide underserved children access to AI-powered tutors.”
In addition to citizen participation, the initiative will also see participation from ex-servicemen, Bengaluru Police and Traffic Police personnel, as well as leading running communities.
Over the years, the Walkathon has grown into a recognised platform for community engagement, bringing together diverse groups under a shared cause. The event will follow a non-competitive format, with participants receiving RFID-timed bibs for tracking, along with finisher medals and certificates.
Registrations are currently open on BookMyShow and India Running.
