Kolkata Marathon
KolkataWest BengalIndia
Next race
Sunday, 6 December 2026
5:30 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Historic urban road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Kolkata Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers each December through West Bengal's cultural capital on the Hooghly River. The course passes the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge approach, and the Maidan parklands with views of colonial-era architecture. December's dry, mild Kolkata winter makes it one of eastern India's most pleasant road races.
Kolkata Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 5,000 finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Men: 2:19:30 — Satya Prakash (2014)Women: 3:16:56 — Anjali Saraogi (2019)
Course & terrain
Kolkata Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Kolkata Marathon is a historic urban road that starts and finishes near the Red Road or Victoria Memorial area. The loop passes the Maidan parklands, Victoria Memorial, and the Hooghly River embankment near Howrah Bridge. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Crowd support is strongest around the historic start-finish hub and along the landmark districts that define the city's character.
The Kolkata Marathon course is flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
- Elevation
Registration
Kolkata Marathon entry requirements
The Kolkata Marathon is held in December, typically on the first Sunday. Registration is at https://www.kolkatamarathon.in/.
Getting there
Kolkata Marathon travel
Airports closest to Kolkata for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
13 km / 8 mi
Race footage
Kolkata Marathon videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Know your Ananda Run (4.5km) Route | Route Map | Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata | #TSW25K
IEM-UEM Kolkata Marathon 2018 Trailer
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Kolkata Marathon elevation profile?
- The Kolkata Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Kolkata Marathon?
- The Kolkata Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starts and finishes near the Red Road or Victoria Memorial area.
- What time does the Kolkata Marathon start?
- The 2026 Kolkata Marathon starts at 5:30 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Kolkata Marathon start?
- The race starts and finishes near the Red Road or Victoria Memorial in central Kolkata. The loop covers the Maidan and Hooghly riverfront.
- When is the Kolkata Marathon?
- The Kolkata Marathon is held in December, typically on the first Sunday.
- Does the Kolkata Marathon pass the Victoria Memorial?
- Yes. The white-marble Victoria Memorial is a centrepiece landmark along the course through the Maidan parklands.
- Is the Kolkata Marathon flat?
- Yes. Kolkata sits on the flat Ganges delta, and the marathon course has negligible elevation change.
- What weather should I expect in Kolkata in December?
- December is Kolkata's best running weather, often 15–24 °C (59–75 °F) in the early morning. Humidity is lower than the monsoon season.
Official resources
Kolkata Marathon links
Websites
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Kolkata.
IndoreMadhya PradeshIndia· 1,286 km away
Indore Marathon
The Indore Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each February on an urban road in Indore, India. It reflects Indore's push to position itself as one of India's cleanest and most fitness-oriented cities. The course passes Rajwada-area roads, newer city boulevards, and broad central-Madhya Pradesh streets. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027
ChennaiTamil NaduIndia· 1,356 km away
Wipro Chennai Marathon
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.
Next race: Sunday, 3 January 2027
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Flat vs Hilly Marathons
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.