Chennai Marathon
The Lowdown
The Chennai Marathon is South India's largest city marathon, organized by Chennai Runners and run through the streets of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, before dawn each January. Runners choose from four distances -- 10K, Half Marathon (21.0975K), Twenty Miler (32.186K), and Full Marathon (42.195K) -- with the longer distances starting at Napier Bridge on Marina Beach at 4:00 AM and finishing at the Indian Maritime University in Uthandi along the East Coast Road, while the Half Marathon starts separately at Elliot's Beach. The AIMS-certified course has carried Abbott World Marathon Majors age-group ranking recognition since the 2023 edition and earned SheRACES accreditation in 2024. Freshworks has been title sponsor since 2023 under a five-year deal, following earlier eras sponsored by Wipro and Skechers; more than 20,000 runners took part in recent editions. The 2027 race marks the 15th edition, scheduled for Sunday, January 3, with venue and registration-fee details for the new cycle still to be confirmed.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Marina Beach
Napier Bridge
East Coast Road (ECR)
Elliot's Beach
Indian Maritime University (finish)
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
IN
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 16 for 10K (born on or before race day minus 16 years)
- Minimum age 18 for Half Marathon, Twenty Miler, and Full Marathon
Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID
Entry Methods
- Online registration via official website
- Corporate/bulk registration (25+) via email
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Confirmed registrations are non-refundable per official terms.
AIMS-certified course
Abbott World Marathon Majors age-group ranking recognition since the 2023 edition
SheRACES accreditation since May 2024
Organized by Chennai Runners, active since the mid-2000s (20th anniversary in 2026)
Sponsor history: Wipro and Skechers in earlier editions; Freshworks title sponsor since 2023 under a five-year deal
Full Marathon has a 28K checkpoint cutoff of 4 hours 30 minutes (by 8:30 AM)
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Community
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