03/03/2026
✨ Runner Spotlight – Naseer’s First 5K Victory 🏃♂️🔥
At GiggleMug Events, every medal has a story.
Today, we celebrate Naseer — a story of courage, self-belief, and pushing beyond limits.
“First 5K run of my life! Not easy, but totally worth it ❤️🩹
It wasn’t just about running 5 kilometres.
It was about every moment I told myself ‘I can’t’… and still chose to keep moving.
There were moments my legs felt heavy, my breathing grew harder, and my mind wanted to quit…
but my heart refused to stop.
I didn’t just run a 5K.
I fought my doubts.
I defeated my excuses.
I discovered strength within myself.
Totally worth it ❤️ I proved to myself — I can do it 🫂
Next 10K loading… 🔥”
Stories like Naseer’s remind us why we create these platforms —
because every finish line builds a stronger, braver version of someone 💛
25/02/2026
Some moments don’t need a stage… they create one on their own 🥁✨
This amazing participant vibing to the dhol in his ethnic attire was pure joy to watch.
No hesitation, no overthinking — just music, energy, and happiness in the moment.
It instantly became one of the highlights of our Ethnic Fest 2026 ❤️
Moments like these are exactly why we celebrate — to feel free, connected, and alive together.
14/02/2026
Not every running story begins with speed — some begin with the courage to simply start. ✨
Some journeys remind us that running isn’t about age, pace, or perfection… it’s about showing up, even when the road feels heavy.
Meet Krishna Mohan Nyayapati 🏃♂️💛
Here’s his journey, in his own words 👇
I started running three years ago, at the age of 56 — not as a natural athlete, but as someone curious to see whether perseverance could still open new doors later in life.
Running hasn’t been easy. Progress has been slow, injuries have been real, and self-doubt has often been louder than motivation. What keeps me going is the quiet discipline of showing up again and again.
On June 1, 2025, at the Telangana Marathon in Gachibowli, I ran with a painful shoulder tear. Midway through the run, fatigue and pain almost made me stop. What carried me forward was the environment around me — runners of all ages, volunteers cheering with warmth, and a community that made me feel I belonged regardless of pace.
Crossing the finish line that day wasn’t about achievement, but about a quiet win over doubt — one step at a time.
Thank you to Swati and her team for creating events that quietly empower people like me to keep going, one step at a time.
✨ Inspired by Krishna Mohan’s journey?
Start where you are, go at your pace, and keep showing up — your story is waiting to unfold. 🏃♂️💛
10/02/2026
He once struggled to finish 1 km.
On June 1, 2025, he crossed a 42.2 km finish line. 🏁
From struggling with 1 km to conquering 42.2 km — this is not just a marathon story, it’s a journey of belief, patience, and pride. 🏃♂️✨
Here’s Tharun Kumar Mattapally’s story — in his own words:
The Telangana Marathon 2025 marked my first-ever full marathon debut — 42.2 km that carried years of effort, setbacks, discipline, and belief. I finished in 5:23:19 hours, securing 48th position, but what mattered most was everything that led me to that finish line.
The journey began during COVID, when even 1 km felt overwhelming. Over the next few years, consistency changed everything — 5K became comfortable, 10K built confidence, and by 2024, with the support of a running community, a full marathon no longer felt impossible.
Running my debut full marathon for Telangana, on the eve of Telangana State Formation Day, made every step emotional and meaningful. With my favourite Telangana songs playing, pride in my heart, and belief in my journey, I pushed forward.
After 30 km, the struggle was real — pain, discomfort, and moments of doubt. Support from fellow runners and volunteers carried me through.
Crossing the finish line with my friends cheering was overwhelming. It wasn’t about timing or ranking. It was about someone who once struggled to run 1 km, standing tall after completing 42.2 km.
Gigglemug didn’t just organise a race — you gave me a memory that will stay with me for life. Telangana Marathon 2025 was the moment I truly believed in my own journey.
— Tharun Kumar Mattapally
Stories like Tharun’s remind us why we create these events —
to celebrate belief, perseverance, and the courage to begin.
— Team Gigglemug Events
19/01/2026
We’re thrilled to welcome Anytime Fitness as our Official Fitness Partner for Ethnic Run 2.0 & Cultural Carnival, happening on 31st January 🌟
Known for its 24/7 access, state-of-the-art equipment, certified trainers, and a truly supportive fitness community, Anytime Fitness makes staying fit simple, flexible, and fun. Plus, your membership gives you access to 5,500+ gyms worldwide 🌍
📍 Locations: Kondapur & Jubilee Hills
✨ Highlights: 24/7 Access | Expert Trainers | Modern Equipment |Supportive Community
Run in tradition, celebrate culture, and stay fit with our amazing fitness partner 💛
19/01/2026
✨ From a slow start to standing on the podium — this is what belief looks like. ✨
Some stories remind us why running is never just about speed or medals… It's about discovering who you become along the way.
Meet Shaheen, fondly known as “The Podium Girl” 🏃♀️💛
Here’s her journey, in her own words 👇
I started running in September 2024, and since then, I’ve never looked back. What began as a simple decision to run slowly turned into a journey of discipline, growth, and unexpected victories.
My first-ever podium came at the Oral Cancer Awareness Run organised by Gigglemug Events—and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. I finished, went back home, and thought that was the end of the day. But life had other plans.
About half an hour later, I got a call from a friend saying, “You’re on the podium!”
I couldn’t believe it. I rushed back to the venue, heart racing again—this time not from running, but from pure joy and disbelief. That moment felt surreal.
Since then, the journey has only grown stronger—three more podium finishes, countless early mornings, tired legs, and an even stronger mindset. Every race taught me something new, but that first podium taught me belief.
I truly consider Gigglemug Events to be my lucky charm—the place where my confidence took shape and my running story changed forever. Grateful for the miles, the memories, the people, and the moments that remind me why I started… and why I’ll keep going. 🏃♀️✨"
✨ Inspired by Shaheen’s journey?
Lace up, show up, and start your running story with us.
Because your first step could be your turning point. 🏃♀️💛
👉 Join our upcoming runs — link in bio!
17/01/2026
Experience traditional games & cultural play at Ethnic Fest & Run 2026 🪀✨
Curated by EnchanToys & Ancient Living
📍 Gachibowli Stadium
📅 31 Jan 2026 | ⏰ 3–9 PM
16/01/2026
We are proud to welcome Team Shakti – Indian Shakti Dance Theatre as our Official Dance Partner ✨
Founded by visionary director Kenny Swaminadham, Indian Shakti Dance Theatre is more than a dance group — it is a powerful sisterhood united by an unshakable passion for movement and expression.
This dynamic all-women team, featuring dancers aged 10 to 30, brings together a beautiful blend of styles — from the grace of Bharatanatyam and Kathak to the energy of contemporary and western forms.
It’s not just about technique.
It’s about passion. Power. Purpose.
It’s the fire they carry for dance that binds them together.
Together, they don’t just perform dance —
✨ they embody it. ✨
Get ready to witness strength, grace, and girl power come alive on stage 💫
16/01/2026
We are proud to announce Citizens for Animals as the Animal Welfare Partner for
Ethnic Fest & Run – Tradition in Action 🇮🇳🏃♂️
At GiggleMug Events, inclusivity goes beyond people — it extends to every life that deserves care and compassion. Partnering with Citizens for Animals strengthens our commitment to animal welfare, responsible adoption, and creating awareness through meaningful community events.
Together, we celebrate:
🐶 Kindness towards animals
🐾 Responsible pet adoption
❤️ Compassion in action
Join us on 31st January 2026 at Gachibowli Stadium as culture, fitness, and empathy come together.
✨ Run for culture.
✨ Stand for animals.
✨ Celebrate tradition with purpose.
🐾
14/01/2026
📣 Ethnic Fest & Run 2026
🧡 Tradition in Action
🤝 NGO Partner: Nagireddy Organization
📅 31st Jan 2026 | ⏰ 3–9 PM
📍 Gachibowli Stadium
🎟️ Register: https://ifinish.co.in/ethnicfest
14/01/2026
🐾 Siva (Murugan)’s GiggleMug Story 🏃♂️
I’m Siva (Murugan) — originally from Tamil Nadu, now settled in Hyderabad.
One of the most unforgettable days of my life was running at the Ethnic Run by GiggleMug Events at Gachibowli Stadium 🧡
I’m a huge animal lover. My pets are my family. Usually, when I leave for a run, they just watch me go… this time, GiggleMug welcomed them to run with me 🐕🐈
A dream I never imagined would come true.
I ran with my MLPN Squad, sponsored my teammates’ registrations, and we won as a team 🏅
What truly touched my heart? My pets received medals too.
That moment will stay with me forever.
I started my running journey in April 2025 to get fit — no gym, no supplements.
Just home workouts, a natural diet, and belief.
From struggling with weight to:
5K under 30 mins
PBs:
🕒 5K – 22:08
🕒 10K – 53:35
Even after an injury during a race, I came back stronger.
My mantra: Never give up.
I now train kids from my neighbourhood, prepare them for 5K & 10K, and sponsor registrations for 3 young runners. One day, they’ll make India proud 🇮🇳
Beyond running:
🐶 8 dogs | 🐱 2 cats | 🦎 1 iguana | 🐦 birds — all rescued
🐾 Feeding 14 street dogs every night since March 18, 2022 — no donations, just love.
This journey has even earned me a few awards in Hyderabad.
Thank you, GiggleMug Events, for creating events that don’t just finish at the finish line — they touch lives 💛