The Early Years
2010Established in 2010, the Chennai Marathon is now 16 years old. From its first edition in Chennai, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in India.
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Course & Elevation
The Chennai Marathon is a predominantly flat course that starts from the iconic Marina Beach, one of the world's longest urban beaches. The race follows a scenic out-and-back route along the East Coast Road, featuring coastal views, tree-lined streets, and a vibrant support from local communities. The course is fast and ideal for achieving personal bests, with minimal elevation changes and well-maintained road surfaces.
Surface: road Profile: Flat
Weather
Temperature 27°C
Humidity 72%
Rain Chance 8%
January offers pleasant winter weather with mild temperatures and low humidity compared to other months. Coastal breezes provide relief during the early morning race, with clear skies and minimal rainfall expected.
The Race
Chennai
Race Lore
The Course Record
2020The fastest time ever recorded at the Chennai Marathon is 02:16:47, set by Dinesh Kumar in 2020. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of Chennai.
The Fast Lane
Runners come to the Chennai Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Chennai has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.
Where It Begins
For thousands of runners each year, the Chennai Marathon is their first marathon. The combination of a forgiving course, generous time limits, and supportive crowds has earned this race a reputation as the place where marathon journeys begin. The first-timer energy on race morning is palpable.
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Course Record
02:16:47
Dinesh Kumar (2020)
Registration
Registration Opens October
Registration Closes December
Entry Cost ₹1,500-₹3,500
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Fun Facts
- ▸ The race starts from Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world at 13 kilometers
- ▸ The Chennai Marathon attracts elite Indian runners and serves as a qualifying race for national team selection
- ▸ Over 14 years, the marathon has become South India's premier running event with participation from across the subcontinent
- ▸ The course's flat terrain and coastal breezes make it ideal for runners attempting to break their personal records
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