Chennai Marathon
Race snapshot
Race Day
72–81°F · Feels mild
Total elevation gain
Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +0 ft
Participants
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Excellent spectator turnout
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.
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