Bengaluru, Aug 03: Guru Prasad and Babli Verma emerged champions in the men’s and women’s Open 5K categories, respectively, in the Acer Run 2026, as more than 2,400 participants came together at Bengaluru‘s Sree Kanteerava Stadium to celebrate health, fitness and community spirit. Guru Prasad clocked 14 minutes and 39 seconds to win the men’s title, ahead of Harish Sheoran (14:40) and Neeraj Solanki (15:03), while Babli Verma secured the women’s title in 17:24, followed by Nitu Kumari (17:30) and Kavita Yadav (17:33).
The run, organised as part of Acer‘s milestone celebrations marking 50 years globally and 27 years in India, was flagged off by U.T. Khader, Hon’ble Health Minister of Karnataka, in the presence of Harish Kohli, President and Managing Director, Acer India Group, Sudhir Goel, Chief Business and Strategy Officer, Acer India Group, senior Acer India officials, Dr. Vishal Rao, Director and Senior Consultant at HCG Hospital and Member of the High Power Committee on Tobacco Control and Cancer Control for the Government of Karnataka, and other distinguished guests.
Designed to encourage healthier lifestyles, Acer Run 2026 featured multiple race categories, bringing together professional runners, fitness enthusiasts, corporate employees, families and first-time participants. The event also honoured winners across the Open Championship, Beyond Limits (Persons with Disabilities) categories and special award categories, highlighting Acer‘s commitment to inclusivity and community wellness.
Speaking at the event, Harish Kohli, President and Managing Director, Acer India, said, “As Acer celebrates 50 years globally and 27 years in India, we wanted this Acer Day to be different from the celebrations we have hosted over the years. We chose to focus on something that truly matters—health. Acer Run is our way of encouraging people to make fitness a priority, especially at a time when sedentary lifestyles have become increasingly common, particularly among technology professionals. Staying active keeps us healthy, energised and ready for the future, and we are delighted to see such an overwhelming response from the community.”
He added, “More than 2,400 participants registered for the event, and we also witnessed additional walk-in participation. It is truly heartening to see so many people choosing to spend their Sunday morning celebrating fitness and wellness with us.”
Addressing participants, Dr. Vishal Rao highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and regular physical activity in reducing the burden of lifestyle diseases, encouraging people to make exercise a part of their daily routine. The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony recognising winners across race categories and special awards, reaffirming Acer India’s commitment to promoting health, wellness and active lifestyles alongside technology innovation.
Men’s Open 5K — Top 5: Guru Prasad (14:39), Harish Sheoran (14:40), Neeraj Solanki (15:03), Srinu B (15:05), Nabeel Sahi M P (15:36).
Women’s Open 5K — Top 5: Babli Verma (17:24), Nitu Kumari (17:30), Kavita Yadav (17:33), Yashi Sachan (17:37), Aradhana (17:42).