Every year on the last Sunday of November, the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad come alive with over 24,000 runners. The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon is Gujarat’s biggest road race and one of India’s fastest-growing marathons — but what sets it apart from every other race on the Indian calendar is its soul. This is not just a city marathon. It is a tribute to India’s Armed Forces, and it has been that since the very first edition in 2017.
The 10th edition on November 29, 2026 carries that mission forward. With the theme #Run4OurSoldiers, the race brings together civilian runners and over 1,500 defence personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force on the same start line — a unique combination you won’t find at any other Indian marathon. Add AIMS certification, a flat Sabarmati Riverfront course, and a Race Director of international calibre, and you have one of the most professionally run events in the country.
⚡ Quick Facts — Adani Ahmedabad Marathon 2026
| 📅 Race Date | Sunday, 29 November 2026 |
| 📍 Venue | Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad, Gujarat |
| 🏁 Distances | 42K · 21K · 10K · 5K |
| 🏅 Certification | AIMS Certified — only Ahmedabad race on AIMS World Running Calendar |
| 🎖️ Theme | #Run4OurSoldiers — tribute to India’s Armed Forces |
| 👥 Participants | 24,000+ runners including 1,500+ defence personnel |
| 🗓️ Edition | 10th Edition — Since 2017 |
| 🌡️ November Weather | 18–28°C · Cool mornings, dry, ideal race conditions |
| 🌐 Official Website | ahmedabadmarathon.com |
About the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon — #Run4OurSoldiers
The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon was launched in 2017 by the Adani Group as an annual tribute to India’s Armed Forces. The concept was straightforward but powerful — bring civilians and soldiers together on the same race course and let the act of running become a shared expression of respect and solidarity. Nearly a decade later, it remains the only Indian marathon built around this specific mission.
The numbers reflect how well it has worked. From its inaugural edition, the race has grown steadily to 24,000+ participants in its most recent running. Over 1,500 personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force participate every year — not as guests or ceremonial starters, but as registered runners competing alongside civilians across all distance categories. There is no other Indian marathon where you will find this scale of active defence participation.
The race is organised by Adani Sportsline and managed by Race Director Dave Cundy — a marathon expert with an extensive international portfolio. The operational precision this brings to the event is visible on race day: timing systems, hydration stations, medical support, and course management that consistently draw praise from participants. The 9th edition was described as delivering “world-class precision and an inspiring race experience.”
🎖️ What Makes This Race Unique
- Only AIMS certified marathon from Ahmedabad — results accepted worldwide
- 1,500+ active defence personnel run alongside civilians every year
- Dedicated proceeds support soldier welfare programs via United Way India
- Scenic flat course along the Sabarmati Riverfront — ideal for PB attempts
- Professionally managed by international Race Director Dave Cundy
- 10th edition in 2026 — a milestone year for Gujarat’s biggest race
Race Categories & Distances
The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon offers four distance categories, making it accessible for first-timers and competitive marathoners alike. All categories are chip-timed with professional RFID systems.
| Category | Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full Marathon | 42.195K | Competitive runners, BQ seekers, seasoned marathoners |
| Half Marathon | 21.097K | Most popular category — ideal for city and out-of-town runners |
| 10K Run | 10K | Beginners, recreational runners, first-time event participants |
| 5K Fun Run | 5K | Families, walkers, first-timers, children with adults |
Armed Forces category: Defence personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force) register separately through their respective units in coordination with the organisers. Civilians who register directly are placed under the Open Category regardless of defence affiliation.
Course Route — The Sabarmati Riverfront
The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon course runs along the Sabarmati Riverfront — one of India’s most celebrated urban development projects and the most scenic stretch of road in Ahmedabad. The riverfront promenade, flanked by the Sabarmati River on one side and the historic city on the other, creates a race environment that is both visually striking and running-friendly.
The course is flat and fast. Ahmedabad sits at just 53 metres above sea level with no significant elevation changes on the riverfront route. For runners targeting a time goal or a personal best, this is one of the better courses in India to attempt it — November temperatures, low humidity, and a flat surface make for optimal conditions in the latter part of the year.
🏃 Course Highlights
- Flat, fast course along the iconic Sabarmati Riverfront
- Fully closed to traffic for the duration of the race
- Professional RFID chip timing at start, finish, and intermediate mats
- Hydration stations with water and energy drinks throughout
- Medical stations and ambulance support on course
- Photographer stations at key points along the route
- Near sea level — no altitude adjustment needed
- Sunrise over the Sabarmati — one of the great visual moments of the race
Registration — How to Sign Up
Registration for the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon 2026 typically opens in August–September. The race has been growing year on year and categories have been filling up earlier with each edition. Once registration opens, early entry is recommended — particularly for the Full and Half Marathon which are the most popular.
📋 Registration — Key Points
- Online registration via ahmedabadmarathon.com when it opens
- Armed Forces personnel register through their unit — not directly on the website
- Registration closes approximately October 31 — don’t wait until November
- Fees increase in tiers as race day approaches — early bird always offers best value
- Bib Expo held 1–2 days before race day — photo ID required for collection
- Set a reminder for when registration opens in August — categories fill fast at this scale
ℹ️ Registration fees for 2026 have not yet been announced. Check ahmedabadmarathon.com from August 2026 for confirmed pricing. Based on past editions, the Full Marathon has been priced between ₹1,500–₹2,500 depending on registration timing.
How to Reach Ahmedabad for the Marathon
Ahmedabad is one of India’s best-connected cities — a major hub for air, rail, and road travel across western India. November is not peak tourist season in Gujarat, which keeps travel costs reasonable compared to a Goa or Mumbai race weekend.
By Air
Fly into Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD), one of India’s busiest airports with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, and most major cities. The airport is approximately 12–15 km from the Sabarmati Riverfront. Book flights 4–6 weeks ahead for the best fares.
By Train
Ahmedabad Junction is extremely well-connected — it sits on the main Western Railway network and has direct trains from Mumbai (6–8 hours via Shatabdi or Rajdhani), Delhi (13–15 hours), Jaipur (6 hours), and most major North and West Indian cities. The station is less than 5 km from the Sabarmati Riverfront — very convenient for race morning.
By Road
Ahmedabad is well-connected via NH48 from Mumbai (530 km, 7–8 hours) and the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway corridor. A good option if you’re travelling from Surat, Vadodara, or Rajasthan and want road flexibility around the race weekend.
✅ Arrive by Friday 27 November: This gives you a full Saturday to collect your bib at the expo, rest, explore Ahmedabad, and be race-ready by Sunday morning. Rushing in on Saturday is not ideal for an early race start.
Where to Stay for the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon
The Sabarmati Riverfront is centrally located in Ahmedabad, which means most hotels in the city give you reasonable access to the start line. For the best race morning convenience, stay within 3–5 km of the riverfront.
Closest to the Course
Hotels along Ashram Road and the Ellis Bridge area put you right beside the Sabarmati Riverfront. Options range from budget to business class — the Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad on Ashram Road is the premium choice steps from the course, while Fortune Landmark and Lemon Tree Hotel offer solid mid-range options in the same corridor.
City Centre Options
CG Road and Navrangpura are Ahmedabad’s most vibrant commercial areas, with a wide variety of hotels and restaurants. Both are 5–8 km from the Sabarmati Riverfront — a 10–15 minute cab ride on an early race morning with no traffic.
💡 Post-Race Ahmedabad
If you’re making a weekend of it, Ahmedabad has plenty to explore post-race. The Sabarmati Ashram — Mahatma Gandhi’s home for 13 years — is right alongside the river and walking distance from the course. The old city’s heritage pols, the Adalaj Stepwell, and the food scene on Manek Chowk are all worth your post-race afternoon. Gujarat’s dry state status means no post-race beer, but the street food absolutely compensates.
November Weather in Ahmedabad for Runners
Late November in Ahmedabad is very good running weather. The monsoon ended weeks earlier, humidity is low, and the temperature drops pleasantly in the evenings and early mornings — exactly when this race starts. Ahmedabad in November is warm during the day but cool at dawn, which is ideal for distance running.
| Condition | Late November Range | Runner’s Take |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 18–28°C | Race start will be at the cooler end — 18–20°C. Comfortable for all distances |
| Humidity | Low | Post-monsoon Gujarat is dry — a significant advantage over coastal races |
| Rain Risk | Very Low | November is reliably dry in Ahmedabad — race goes ahead in all conditions |
| Sunrise | ~6:45 AM | Early starters run in the dark initially — sunrise over the Sabarmati mid-race |
Race Day Tips — Adani Ahmedabad Marathon
📦 What to Carry
- Race bib — pinned securely to your front, clearly visible
- Timing chip attached to shoe as instructed
- Valid photo ID — required at venue entry
- Energy gels or chews for 21K+ distances — carry your own for reliability
- Sunscreen — apply before the race as temperatures climb after 8 AM
- Light layer for the start if temperatures drop below 18°C on race morning
- Post-race warm clothing — you’ll cool down fast once you stop
⏰ Logistics to Sort in Advance
- Pre-book your cab to the venue — arrive at least 60 minutes before your wave
- Bag deposit available at the venue — travel light to the start area
- Expect large crowds at check-in — 24,000 runners means entry takes time
- Spectators welcome at designated cheering zones along the riverfront
- Results posted online within hours of race completion
- Follow ahmedabadmarathon.com and official social handles for race day updates
Register for the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon 2026
Registration opens August–September 2026. 10th edition. 24,000+ runners. #Run4OurSoldiers.
Set a reminder — categories fill fast once registration opens.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon 2026 is on Sunday, 29 November 2026. The race takes place along the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is the 10th edition of the race, which has been held annually since 2017.
A: The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon runs under the theme #Run4OurSoldiers — a tribute to India’s Armed Forces. Over 1,500 personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force participate every year alongside civilian runners. A significant share of race proceeds supports soldier welfare programs through United Way India.
A: The race offers four categories — Full Marathon (42.195K), Half Marathon (21.097K), 10K Run, and 5K Fun Run. All categories are chip timed. Armed Forces personnel register separately through their respective units, while all other participants register under the Open Category.
A: Yes, the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon is AIMS certified and is the only running event from Ahmedabad featured on the AIMS World Running Calendar. This means your finish time is globally recognised and valid for international race qualifications.
A: Registration for the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon 2026 typically opens in August–September and closes around October 31. Registration is online at ahmedabadmarathon.com. Fees increase in tiers as race day approaches so early registration offers the best value. Categories have been filling up earlier with each edition — set a reminder for when registration opens.
A: The race starts and finishes at the Sabarmati Riverfront in central Ahmedabad. The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD), approximately 12–15 km away, with direct flights from all major Indian cities. Ahmedabad Junction railway station is under 5 km from the riverfront and is well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, and most western Indian cities.
