NIO Vision Marathon 2025 – A Run for Awareness Against Avoidable Blindness

About the Organizers

The National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO), Pune, is a super-speciality eye hospital dedicated to delivering world-class eye care. Under the leadership of Dr. Shreekant Kelkar and Mrs. Aruna Kelkar, NIO has combined advanced technology with highly trained professionals to provide quality eye treatment.

Why This Marathon?

In India, 80–85% of blindness is preventable or treatable, caused mainly by cataracts, refractive errors, corneal opacity, and surgical complications. With early detection, accessible treatment, and greater public awareness, millions of people can avoid blindness.

The NIO Vision Marathon 2025 aims to spread this message and raise awareness through a unique running event.

Participation Categories

1. 👩‍🦯 Visually Impaired Participant – Open only to persons with visual impairment.
2. 👫 Blindfolded Run with a Buddy – A pair run where one participant is blindfolded, guided by a buddy.
3. 🏃 Individual Participation – Solo run, standard participation.

Race Distances

• Non-Timed Fun Run: 3 KM | 5 KM
• Timed Competitive Run: 10 KM | 21.1 KM

What Participants Get

✔️ T-shirt

✔️ Bib number

✔️ Timing chip (if applicable)

✔️ Goodie bag

✔️ Finisher medal

✔️ e-Certificate

✔️ Event photographs

✔️ Breakfast

✔️ Hydration & nutrition support

✔️ Medical aid

✔️ Memorable event experience

Age Categories (for Prizes – 10 KM & 21 KM)

• Up to 35 years
• 36 to 55 years
• 56 to 80 years

🏅 Top 3 winners in each category (men & women, solo participation only) will be awarded.

Important Instructions

• Bib & T-shirt collection is compulsory. No distribution will take place on race day.
• Collection Points:

1. National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) – Off Ghole Road, Shivajinagar, Pune
2. NIOEYESPLUS – Bremen Circle, Aundh

• Dates for collection will be shared via registered email.

Rules & Disclaimers

1. Only 10 KM & 21.1 KM are competitive runs (chip-timed).
2. Medical fitness is the participant’s responsibility.
3. Organizers are not liable for theft, damage, or injury, though first aid will be arranged.
4. Participation is voluntary; all risks are assumed by the participant.
5. By registering, participants agree to indemnify NIO & Simple Steps Fitness against claims or damages.
6. Organizers may deny entry if health risks are identified.
7. Non-compliance with rules will result in disqualification.
8. Entry without bib numbers will not be allowed.

Contact for Queries

📧 Email: info@simplestepsfitness.in

💬 WhatsApp: +91 77740 11055