Race At A Glance
| 📅 Race Date | Sunday, 13 December 2026 |
| 🏛️ Edition | 7th Edition |
| 📍 Venue | National Games Park, Mahalunge, Pune |
| 🏃 Distances | 42.195km · 21km · 10km · 5km |
| 🌡️ December Weather | 14–20°C — ideal running conditions |
| 🔗 Registration | Open on IndiaRunning.com ↗ |
The Bajaj Pune Marathon 2026 returns on Sunday, 13 December 2026 for its 7th edition — and it is shaping up to be the biggest yet. With four race distances, one of the highest prize purses for elites in India, and Pune’s famous winter-morning energy on the streets, BPM has quickly become the marquee December race on every Indian runner’s calendar.
Whether you are targeting your first 5K or chasing a full marathon finish line, this guide covers everything you need — registration, fees, cut-off times, course details, training tips, and what to pack for race day in Pune.
What Is the Bajaj Pune Marathon?
The Bajaj Pune Marathon is Pune’s flagship mass-participation running event, organised by India Running in association with Bajaj Allianz. It started as the Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon and grew steadily — the full marathon distance was added only in the 2025 (6th) edition, making BPM the first event to bring a certified 42.195km race to the heart of Pune.
Pune holds a special place in Indian running history. The city hosted India’s first-ever marathon in 1919, over a century before the sport became mainstream in the country. BPM was born to honour that legacy and to give Pune’s fast-growing running community a world-class home race.
The numbers back it up. Thousands of runners register months in advance, training groups form across the city, and on race morning, the Punekari spirit takes over — spectators, pacers, dhol players and all. It is one of the few Indian races where the atmosphere genuinely builds weeks before the gun goes off.
Bajaj Pune Marathon 2026 Race Categories and Registration Fees
The 2026 edition offers four timed race distances for men and women. Registration is open now on IndiaRunning.com.
| Category | Distance | Registration Fee | Cut-off Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Marathon | 42.195 km | ₹2,500 (all inclusive) | 6 hours |
| Half Marathon | 21 km | ₹1,600 (all inclusive) | 3 hours |
| 10K Timed Run | 10 km | ₹900 (all inclusive) | 90 minutes |
| 5K Timed Run | 5 km | ₹600 (all inclusive) | 45 minutes |
All fees are all-inclusive — no hidden charges at checkout. The registration fee covers your race bib, chip timing, finisher medal, race T-shirt, hydration on course, and medical support.
Note: Fees listed are based on current 2026 registration data. Early registrants typically get the best slots — BPM has a history of categories filling up. Verify the latest pricing on IndiaRunning.com before registering.
How to Register for the Bajaj Pune Marathon 2026
Registration for BPM 2026 is live. Here is exactly how to sign up:
- Go to IndiaRunning.com — BPM 2026 page
- Select your distance category (Full Marathon / Half Marathon / 10K / 5K) and gender
- Create or log in to your IndiaRunning account
- Fill in your personal details, emergency contact, and t-shirt size
- Pay online via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking
- Save your confirmation email — this is your registration proof
Bib collection and expo details will be announced closer to race day on the official BPM social channels. Based on past editions, the bib expo typically happens 1–2 days before race day at the venue. Do not miss it — bibs are not mailed.
Where Does the Bajaj Pune Marathon Start?
The race starts and finishes at National Games Park, Mahalunge, Pune. The course runs through scenic Pune neighbourhoods on a predominantly flat road route — one of the fastest course profiles among Indian city marathons. Runna classifies the BPM elevation as flat, which is good news if you are chasing a personal best.
National Games Park is well connected from most parts of Pune. If you are travelling from outside Pune, the venue is approximately 30–40 minutes from Pune Junction railway station depending on traffic.
Parking: Race-day parking is limited. Plan to arrive via cab, auto, or arrange a drop-off. BPM’s 6 AM start time means most public transport is limited — book a cab the night before.
What Is the Bajaj Pune Marathon Course Like?
The BPM course winds through Pune’s western neighbourhoods on closed roads. The route is flat with minimal elevation gain, making it one of the more PB-friendly marathon courses in India compared to hillier options like Ladakh or trail races in the Sahyadris.
December mornings in Pune sit between 14°C and 20°C at race time — cool, dry air with low humidity. If you have been training through monsoon or early post-monsoon heat, race day in Pune will feel like a completely different sport. Conditions are comfortably within the ideal marathon running range of 10–15°C, though slightly warmer as the sun rises during the back half of the full marathon.
Hydration stations, medical aid, chip timing mats, and photographers are placed throughout the course. Elite pace vehicles and official pacers are available for the half marathon category.
What Is Included in the Bajaj Pune Marathon Registration?
Every registered runner gets:
- 📦 Race kit with premium dry-fit race T-shirt
- 🥇 Finisher medal on crossing the finish line
- 🎽 Race bib with chip timing
- 💧 Hydration and electrolyte stations on course
- 🏥 Medical support throughout the route
- 📱 Digital timing certificate (downloadable post-race)
- 🎒 Goody/swag bag at the expo
Full Marathon registrants additionally get access to a free personalised training plan via the fitpage app — a useful tool if you are building your 20-week build-up from scratch.
Elite Category — Bajaj Pune Marathon 2026
BPM runs a serious elite programme, and the prize money for the half marathon and 10K is among the highest for any mass-participation race in India.
Key elite rules to know:
- Elite category is open to Indian citizens only
- Elite participation fee is ₹0 (free entry)
- Prizes for the HM and 10K categories only (not 5K or full marathon elite-specific prizes)
- Winners determined by gun time, not chip time
- PAN card mandatory at bib collection for prize processing
- Qualification timings apply — submit credentials via the official Google Form on bajajpunemarathon.com
- Anti-doping testing in effect; prize money processed within 30 working days of doping results
Training for the Bajaj Pune Marathon 2026 — What You Need to Know
Race day is 13 December 2026. If you are starting your training block now in May, you have roughly 28–30 weeks — ideal for both first-timers targeting the half marathon and experienced runners going for the full.
A few things to keep in mind as you build up:
The flat course rewards aerobic base over hill strength. Unlike mountain races, BPM does not punish you with elevation — so your long run pace and lactate threshold work will matter more than quad strength. Build your weekly mileage consistently and focus on tempo runs at goal pace.
December Pune is cooler than most Indian training environments. If you are based in Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai and training through summer and monsoon, you will likely race faster than your training suggests. Do not go out too hot in the first 10K.
The fitpage app training plan (free with full marathon registration) is a solid starting point if you do not have a structured plan already.
More From FatMarathoner
📅 Calendar
India Marathon Calendar 2026
Every major race in India — dates, cities, and registration links in one place.
🏃 Race Guide
Wipro Bengaluru Marathon 2026
Full guide to India’s biggest October marathon — route, registration, and race day tips.
🏃 Race Guide
NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2026
Everything you need to race Hyderabad’s fastest flat marathon in August.
👟 Gear Guide
Best Carbon Plate Shoes for Indian Marathons
If you are targeting a PB at BPM, this guide covers the fastest shoes available in India.
⌚ Gear Guide
Best GPS Running Watches for Indian Runners
Track your BPM training and race splits — our tested picks for every budget.
👟 Gear Guide
Best Budget Running Shoes for Marathon Training India
Great shoes under ₹5,000 for your 28-week BPM training block.
Bottom Line
Bajaj Pune Marathon 2026 — Worth It?
Absolutely. BPM offers the best combination of a flat, fast course, excellent December weather, strong organisation, and genuine city atmosphere among India’s December races. The full marathon is only in its second year — slots will be limited and demand is high. If Pune is on your radar for 2026, register now and start your training block. The 13 December date gives you a clean 28–30 week build-up from today.
Register for BPM 2026 →Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Bajaj Pune Marathon 2026 is on Sunday, 13 December 2026. It is the 7th edition of the race, held annually in Pune, Maharashtra.
A: Registration is open now on IndiaRunning.com. Visit the official BPM 2026 registration page, choose your distance and gender category, create an IndiaRunning account, and pay online. You will receive a confirmation email immediately after payment.
A: The 2026 registration fees are: Full Marathon ₹2,500 · Half Marathon ₹1,600 · 10K ₹900 · 5K ₹600. All fees are all-inclusive — race bib, chip timing, medal, T-shirt, and on-course support are covered.
A: The full marathon cut-off time is 6 hours. Half marathon runners have 3 hours, 10K runners have 90 minutes, and 5K runners have 45 minutes. These are measured from the gun start, not chip start.
A: The race starts at National Games Park, Mahalunge, Pune. The course runs through Pune’s western neighbourhoods on closed roads before returning to the same venue for the finish.
A: Yes. The BPM course is classified as flat with minimal elevation gain, making it one of the most PB-friendly marathon courses in India. If you are targeting a personal best, the December Pune conditions and flat route are in your favour.
A: December mornings in Pune are crisp and cool, typically between 14°C and 20°C at race time. Humidity is low. These are near-ideal marathon conditions for Indian runners who train in warmer cities — expect to run faster than your training paces suggest.
A: Yes, especially for the 5K and 10K categories. The flat course, cool weather, excellent crowd support, and chip timing make BPM a great first race experience. First-time half marathoners who have a 3-month base also do well here. The 6-hour marathon cut-off is generous enough for most first-time full marathoners.
A: All registrants get a race bib, chip timing, finisher medal, premium dry-fit race T-shirt, on-course hydration, medical support, and a digital timing certificate. Full marathon registrants also receive a free training plan via the fitpage app.
A: The elite category is open to Indian citizens only and covers the half marathon and 10K distances. Entry is free. You must submit your running credentials via the official Google Form on bajajpunemarathon.com and meet the qualification time standards. Elites must carry their PAN card to the bib expo for prize money processing.
A: The official registration close date has not been announced yet. Based on past editions, registration opened in mid-July and several categories sold out before race day. Register early — do not wait until November.
