Decathlon launches KIPRUN sub-brand in India to catch the 'running boom'; plans to reach 5 million runners by 2030

Decathlon India has launched its running focused sub-brand KIPRUN in the country, along with a plan to build a business worth over Rs 1,000 crore by 2030 and reach more than 5 million active runners. Decathlon introduced KIPRUN globally in 2008 and is currently present in 70 countries. As part of the India launch, the company rolled out 35 products across the running category, made up of running shoes, apparel, hydration packs, trail gear and other accessories, with 17 of these being performance running shoes.

How big is Decathlon's running business target for India

Decathlon India targets to cross Rs 1,000 crore in turnover by 2030 from KIPRUN products. Hans Peter Jensen, Sports Director at Decathlon Sports India, said Kiprun by Decathlon is a focused bet on the future of running and a core part of Decathlon's long term multi sport plans in India. He said the company's growth strategy is built around footwear innovation along with expert guided customer support across its stores and digital channels, with the goal of crossing Rs 1,000 crore in turnover and serving over 5 million active runners by 2030.


Why is Decathlon betting on running in India

The company pointed to what it called a transformative moment for sports culture in India, with organised running events expanding across cities. It said it plans to grow its running business through product development as well as engagement with the running community. According to data from IMARC Group cited by the sports brand, India's running gear market grew from $2.5 billion in 2025 to $2.7 billion in 2026, and is projected to reach $4.9 billion by 2034.

Bruno Araujo, Country Sports Leader for Running at Decathlon Sports India, said running is moving from being a niche fitness activity to a mainstream, community led movement in the country. He said Decathlon's aim with Kiprun is to become the first destination for runners in India and to help make running a daily habit for a large number of Indians.

The company said its running shoes are built using technologies such as VFoam Plus and MFoam+ cushioning, along with carbon plated soles in some race day models. These are aimed at runners with different paces, distances, experience levels and running goals.