Tamil Nadu hosts 30+ running events every year across Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Tirunelveli, Ooty, Tirupur, Thanjavur and more — from 3K community runs to 90K mountain ultras. Next up: Hexaware Dream Runners Half Marathon on 19 July 2026 (registration open), followed by the newly-confirmed Madurai Half Marathon on 16 August and a triple-city Kauvery Marathon in Trichy, Salem & Tirunelveli on 27 September. This page covers every confirmed and expected race in Tamil Nadu through early 2027, updated July 2026.
🏃 Upcoming Marathons in Tamil Nadu 2026–27 — Complete Race Calendar
Every major marathon, half marathon, 10K, community run and ultra across Tamil Nadu — Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Tirunelveli, Ooty, Tirupur and more. Use the filters below to find races by city, distance, or status.
31+
Events Listed
14+
Cities Covered
3K–90K
Distance Range
Year-Round
Race Calendar
🗓️ Upcoming Marathons & Runs in Tamil Nadu — 2026–27
Sunday, 19 July · Island Grounds / Napier Bridge, Chennai
Half Marathon10K
Chennai’s biggest charity half marathon — 7th year with Hexaware as title sponsor. Nearly 7,000 runners in 2025, raising ₹45+ lakhs for NGOs. Free structured training across 14 city chapters. Registration live now.
📍 Chennai9 Aug 2026
Namma Bessy Mile Run 2026
Sunday, 9 August · 5:00 AM · Olcott Memorial School, Besant Nagar
Mile / ShortCommunity
Neighbourhood pride run in Besant Nagar — one of Chennai’s most popular running zones. Ideal for families and casual runners.
Sunday, 16 August · 5:00 AM (21K) · MGR Stadium, Madurai
21K Timed10K5K3K
Madurai’s flagship half marathon, run by RunGreen Foundation under the “Run for Healthy Madurai & Fit Madurai” initiative. Starts and finishes at MGR Stadium, out-and-back route via Natham Road. Registration open now.
📍 Chennai6 Sep 2026
Chennai Ultra 2026
Sunday, 6 September · Chennai
50K Ultra
A 50K ultra road race in Chennai — one of the few urban ultra events on Tamil Nadu’s annual calendar.
Flagship edition of the Kauvery Marathon series — over 10,000 runners expected. This year’s theme raises awareness for cancer early-detection and prevention, backed by Kauvery Hospital.
Sister edition of the Kauvery Marathon, run the same day as Trichy and Tirunelveli. Part of a four-city movement across Tamil Nadu that draws 25,000+ combined participants annually.
Southern Tamil Nadu’s edition of the Kauvery Marathon series, run simultaneously with Trichy and Salem under the same cause-driven banner.
📍 Tiruvannamalai District31 Oct 2026
Jamunamarathur Ultra 2026
Saturday, 31 October · Jamunamarathur, Tamil Nadu
50K100K161KTrail
Remote forest ultra through the Eastern Ghats’ Jawadhu Hills — rolling ridgelines, technical climbs and starlit night sections. Now offers 50K up to a brutal 161K, one of Tamil Nadu’s toughest trail events.
Flagship annual marathon of Coimbatore, entirely in support of the Coimbatore Cancer Foundation. Biggest sporting event in Tamil Nadu outside Chennai. December weather is among the best race conditions in the state.
Organised by Jolly Boys Runners Club in the industrial township of Ranipet. Now in its 7th edition, steadily building a following among North Tamil Nadu runners.
Early January 2027 · Napier Bridge → ECR, Chennai (exact date TBA)
Full MarathonHalf Marathon10K
Tamil Nadu’s biggest marathon — 20,000+ participants. Organised by Chennai Runners, the only Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group qualifier in South India. The 2026 edition (14th) drew 20,000+ runners on 4 January; the 15th edition returns early January 2027.
Competitive marathon by Kovaion with a strong field from across South India — full marathon distance (returning after decades), relay teams and growing participation. 2026 edition ran 8 February; next edition expected same window.
Destination Race · Auroville, Tamil NaduSecond Sunday of February · Annual
Expected 14 February 2027 (2nd Sunday) · Auroville Township, Tamil Nadu
42K21K10KTrail & RoadNo Timing · No Prizes
India’s most unique marathon — held every second Sunday of February through Auroville’s red-earth forest trails. No timing chips, no prize money, no t-shirts. Organised by Auroville Runners under the Auroville Foundation since 2008, purely for the joy of running. Cut-off 11:30 AM. Registration via YouTooCanRun typically opens later in the year and closes December 31.
Sunday, 21 March · Tamil Nadu Tourism Ooty Boat House, Ooty
90K75K60K50K30K15K
Now Tamil Nadu’s unified premier mountain ultra — OOTYULTRA and the former Fern Hill Ultra have combined into one event spanning six distances (15K to 90K). Powered by Tea Board India, hosted 1,180 finishers from 17 states and 5 countries in 2026. Starts at Ooty Boat House, finishes at Battarkambai Tea Park.
📍 TirupurDates TBC
Tirupur Runners Marathon 2026
2026 · Tirupur
Half Marathon10K
Growing running community in Tamil Nadu’s textile city organising annual races. Check local Facebook groups for 2026 date announcements.
📍 ErodeDates TBC
Erode Marathon 2026
2026 · Erode
Half Marathon10K
Annual race in Erode drawing runners from across western Tamil Nadu. Steadily growing in participation over recent editions.
📍 Kangayam, Tirupur DistrictDates TBC
Kangayam Marathon 2026
2026 · Kangayam
Half Marathon10K5K
Fast-growing district-level marathon. Popular with runners from Erode, Tirupur and surrounding areas.
📍 Annur, CoimbatoreDates TBC
Annur Marathon 2026
2026 · Annur, Coimbatore District
10K5K
Community marathon in Annur on the outskirts of Coimbatore. Strong local runner turnout each year.
📍 CoimbatoreMultiple Dates
Run for Peace Marathon — Coimbatore 2026
Multiple editions · Coimbatore
10K5K
Awareness-themed run across multiple dates in Coimbatore. Open to all ages and fitness levels.
📍 ChennaiDates TBC
Pink Sakhi Run Chennai 2026
2026 · Chennai
5K10K
Women-focused awareness run in Chennai celebrating women’s health and empowerment through running.
📍 ChennaiDates TBC
Chennai Kids Dream Run 2026
2026 · Chennai
Kids RunFamily Run
Dedicated kids race encouraging children and families to embrace running as a healthy lifestyle habit.
✅ Past Tamil Nadu Running Events — 2026
These events have concluded. Check official websites for next-edition announcements.
Tamil Nadu’s biggest marathon — 20,000+ participants. Organised by Chennai Runners, powered by Ashok Leyland. Abbott WMM Age Group qualifier. 14th edition on the iconic Napier Bridge–ECR route. Next edition: early January 2027.
Community-driven event with multiple distances at the scenic Mettur Dam. Multiple prize categories and strong local participation.
📍 Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)Completed
Namma Trichy Juniorthon — 2nd Edition
24 January 2026 · Anna Stadium, Tiruchirappalli
Kids Run
Dedicated kids’ race in Trichy from Pre-KG to 6th Std, organised by Gagner Sports. Growing addition to Trichy’s fast-emerging running calendar alongside the Kauvery Marathon.
High-altitude road ultra by KaysFIT Academy (Coach Kay), powered by Tea Board India — 1,180 finishers from 17 states and 5 countries. For 2027, this event has merged with Fern Hill Ultra into one unified OOTYULTRA covering all six distances — see the 10th Anniversary Edition above.
📍 Fern Hill, OotyCompleted
Fern Hill Ultra 2026
22 March 2026 · Fern Hill, Ooty, Nilgiris
60K75K90KTrail
Stunning mountain ultra through Nilgiri hills — Tamil Nadu’s most challenging trail event. This is now folded into the unified OOTYULTRA banner going forward (10th Anniversary Edition, 21 March 2027).
📍 ChennaiCompleted
Chennai RiseUp Digital Detox Marathon 2026
24 May 2026 · Decathlon Mogappair, Nolambur, Chennai
10K5K
“Put the phone down” themed community run at Decathlon Mogappair. Beginner-friendly, digital wellness message. Watch for the next edition.
📍 ChennaiCompleted
Father’s Day Marathon Chennai 2026
21 June 2026 · Besant Nagar, Chennai
10K5KFamily Run
Themed community run at Besant Nagar. Early 5 AM start — open to families and first-timers. Low-pressure, inclusive format.
📍 ChennaiCompleted
Azurap’s TN Marathon 2026 — Stride for Women Safety
28 June 2026 · Olcott Memorial School, Chennai
10K5K
5th edition of Azurap’s awareness race, themed around women’s safety. A purposeful community event with a strong cause.
🏙️ Tamil Nadu Running Cities — Quick Guide
Chennai
Tamil Nadu’s running capital. Home to Chennai Runners (50,000+ members), Dream Runners, and multiple large annual races. Best routes: Marina Beach, ECR Road, Besant Nagar, Island Grounds. Best season: Nov–Feb.
Coimbatore
South India’s fastest growing running hub. The Kovai Elites Marathon and Walkaroo Coimbatore Marathon draw competitive runners across distances. Pleasant weather and an enthusiastic local community year-round.
Madurai
The temple city’s running scene now has a proper flagship: the Madurai Half Marathon (5th edition, August). Best weather Nov–Jan. Routes around MGR Stadium, Natham Road and the Vaigai River are popular.
Trichy, Salem & Tirunelveli
Now united under the Kauvery Marathon banner — all three cities race the same September Sunday, drawing 25,000+ combined participants across the wider Kauvery series. Trichy also hosts the Namma Trichy Juniorthon for kids.
Western TN: Erode, Tirupur & Kangayam
Mettur, Erode, Tirupur, Kangayam and Annur are all producing organised running events. Strong community turnout at district-level races makes this region one to watch in coming years.
Ranipet & Thanjavur
Ranipet’s Sipcot Marathon (Jolly Boys Runners Club) is now in its 7th year each December. Thanjavur continues to grow kids’ races and community runs in the historic temple-city belt.
Nilgiris (Ooty)
Tamil Nadu’s premier trail ultra destination. OOTYULTRA now unifies all distances — 15K through 90K — under one banner powered by Tea Board India. High altitude, cool weather, and stunning trails for serious long-distance runners, even in March.
❓ Tamil Nadu Marathon FAQs
Which is the biggest marathon in Tamil Nadu?
The Freshworks Chennai Marathon (formerly the Wipro and Skechers Performance Chennai Marathon — same event, just different title sponsors over the years) is Tamil Nadu’s largest race, attracting 20,000+ runners across full marathon, half marathon, and 10K categories. Organised annually in early January by Chennai Runners, it is also the only Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group qualifier in South India. The next biggest single-city race is the Hexaware Dream Runners Half Marathon in July (~7,000 runners), while the Kauvery Marathon series draws over 25,000 runners combined across its four cities.
Are there full marathons (42.195 km) in Tamil Nadu?
Yes. Tamil Nadu’s confirmed full marathons include the Freshworks Chennai Marathon (January, Chennai), the Kovai Elites Marathon (February, Coimbatore), the Auroville Marathon (February, near Puducherry), and the Ranipet Marathon (December, Sipcot). Most other Tamil Nadu races offer half marathon, 10K, and 5K categories.
When is the best time to run a race in Tamil Nadu?
December to February is Tamil Nadu’s ideal racing season. Temperatures across Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai are cooler (18–26°C) and humidity is lower. The monsoon (October–November) makes road races difficult, and summer months (March–June) bring intense heat and humidity — particularly in coastal Chennai. The Ooty and Nilgiris region is an exception: pleasantly cool year-round, making it suitable for ultras even in March.
What is the Kauvery Marathon and why does it run in three cities on the same day?
The Kauvery Marathon is a cause-driven running series backed by Kauvery Hospital, held simultaneously in Trichy, Salem and Tirunelveli — plus a related Chennai edition — every year on the same September Sunday. Started in 2015, it now draws over 25,000 participants combined across all four cities, with the 2026 editions themed around cancer awareness and early detection. Each city runs its own 21.1K timed course.
Are there beginner-friendly races in Tamil Nadu?
Yes — most Tamil Nadu races offer 5K and 10K categories suitable for beginners. The Chennai RiseUp events and Namma Bessy Mile Run are explicitly designed as first-time runner experiences. The Hexaware Dream Runners Half Marathon even provides free structured training across 14 city chapters for months before race day, making it the most supported first half marathon experience in Tamil Nadu.
Are there trail and ultra marathons in Tamil Nadu?
Yes — the Nilgiris hills around Ooty are Tamil Nadu’s trail ultra hub. OOTYULTRA (formerly split as Ooty Ultra and Fern Hill Ultra, now unified) offers 15K through 90K distances through mountain terrain, run by KaysFIT Academy and powered by Tea Board India. On the road-ultra side, the Chennai Ultra 50K runs in September, and the Jamunamarathur Ultra in the Jawadhu Hills now offers 50K, 100K and a brutal 161K option on 31 October.
Are there kids and family runs in Tamil Nadu?
Yes. The Kids Marathon Thanjavur (February) and Namma Trichy Juniorthon (January) are dedicated children’s races. The Chennai Kids Dream Run is planned for 2026. Most large Tamil Nadu races — including the Freshworks Chennai Marathon — also include a fun run or short category open to children accompanied by adults.
Where do I register for Tamil Nadu running events?
Registration usually happens directly on each race’s official organiser site — for example MyRaceIndia for the Hexaware Dream Runners Half Marathon, or the individual event’s own website for the Coimbatore Marathon, Kauvery Marathon and Kovai Elites Marathon. For smaller and community races that haven’t opened registration yet, a quick web search for the event name plus the current year is usually the fastest way to find the live registration link — organisers often confirm dates on Instagram or Facebook before it appears anywhere else.
What is the Auroville Marathon and what makes it unique?
The Auroville Marathon is held every second Sunday of February through the traffic-free, red-earth forest trails of Auroville township near Puducherry. What makes it unique: no timing chips, no prize money, no t-shirts — it is run purely for the joy of running. Organised by the Auroville Foundation since 2008, it draws international runners and offers 42K, 21K and 10K distances. Registration is via YouTooCanRun and typically closes December 31 each year.
⚠️ Important: Race schedules in Tamil Nadu can change, especially for smaller community events. Always verify dates, routes, and registration details on the official organiser website before signing up. This page is updated monthly — last updated July 2026.
