Chennai Marathon

ChennaiTamil NaduIndia

Next race

Sunday, 3 January 2027

6:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Wipro Chennai Marathon draws approximately 3,500 finishers each January on an urban road in Chennai, India. It is one of India's better-known winter marathons outside Mumbai. The route passes Marina-adjacent sections, broad city boulevards, and neighborhoods near the Bay of Bengal. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Chennai Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 3,500 finishers

Weather: Warm and humid winter
25–25°C · humidity 70–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Chennai Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

Starts and finishes on central Chennai race roads. The route passes Marina-adjacent sections, broad city boulevards, and neighborhoods near the Bay of Bengal. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.

Registration

Chennai Marathon entry requirements

The Wipro Chennai Marathon uses open online registration on the official website with no ballot or qualifying standard for the full marathon. Sign-up typically opens mid-year for the January race and remains available until capacity is reached. Entry fees are modest by international standards and overseas runners apply through the same portal.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chennai Marathon elevation profile?: The Chennai Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Chennai Marathon?: The Chennai Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes on central Chennai race roads.
What time does the Chennai Marathon start?: The 2027 Chennai Marathon starts at 6:00 am local time on Sunday, 3 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Wipro Chennai Marathon start and finish?: Starts and finishes on central Chennai race roads. Updated each year.
When is the Wipro Chennai Marathon and how do I register?: Wipro Chennai Marathon is typically held in January. Registration may use a ballot or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Wipro Chennai Marathon course flat?: Yes. Wipro Chennai Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does the Wipro Chennai Marathon pass?: The route passes Marina-adjacent sections, broad city boulevards, and neighborhoods near the Bay of Bengal.
What weather should runners expect at Wipro Chennai Marathon?: Usually warm and humid even at sunrise, with sea air and rising heat late in the race.

If you see something that looks out of date, please send us a note. Last reviewed 5 November 2026.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Chennai.

AurovilleTamil NaduIndia· 131 km away

Auroville Marathon

The Auroville Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each February on a township and rural road in Auroville, India. Its low-key, community-driven atmosphere is very different from India's large commercial road races. The route passes red-earth roads, casuarina groves, and quiet settlements near India's experimental international township. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 14 February 2027

BengaluruKarnatakaIndia· 291 km away

Bengaluru Marathon

The Bengaluru Marathon attracts approximately 2,500 finishers on autumn Sundays through India's Silicon Valley at roughly 920 m altitude. The course passes the Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, and the Koramangala tech-corridor on rolling Deccan Plateau roads. Humid late-monsoon mornings and lush garden-city greenery make it one of South India's major city marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 26 September 2027

HyderabadTelanganaIndia· 516 km away

Hyderabad Marathon

The Hyderabad Marathon draws approximately 3,000 finishers each August on an urban road in Hyderabad, India. Its hilly profile makes it one of India's more demanding big-city marathons. The course passes HITEC City corridors, lake-adjacent stretches, and rolling roads through the Deccan metropolis. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 August 2027

KochiKeralaIndia· 560 km away

Kochi Marathon

The Kochi Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each February on an urban and waterfront road in Kochi, India. The backwater setting makes it unlike inland Indian city marathons. The course passes backwater edges, port-city roads, and neighborhoods linked to Kerala's maritime capital. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 14 February 2027

GoaGoaIndia· 745 km away

Goa River Marathon

The SKF Goa River Marathon draws approximately 1,500 marathon finishers each December on a scenic riverside road in Goa, India. It is one of India's most scenic river marathons and has grown from a local club race into a major festival. The AIMS-certified route passes Zuari River overlooks, village roads, and bridge approaches through lush Goan scenery. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 13 December 2026

PuneMaharashtraIndia· 915 km away

Pune International Marathon

The Pune International Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each December on an urban road in Pune, India. It has deep roots in Indian road racing and remains one of the country's traditional full marathons. The route passes cantonment roads, university areas, and broad avenues across the old military-and-education city. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

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