Last updated: 18 June 2026
Your exhaustive guide to Kerala’s vibrant running scene in 2026! From coastal paths and backwaters to hilly trails and tea estates, we’ve compiled all major and recurring events (confirmed + TBA). Sorted chronologically where dates are known.
Why Run in Kerala?
Kerala offers one of the most diverse and scenic marathon experiences in India. From serene backwaters and golden beaches to misty tea estates and rolling hills, the state combines breathtaking natural beauty with vibrant culture — making every run feel like a mini vacation.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best on flat coastal routes, seeking an adventurous ultra through high-altitude tea plantations, or enjoying a relaxed family fun run, Kerala has something for every runner. Events like the Federal Bank Kochi Marathon (backwaters), Kovalam Marathon (beachfront), Munnar Marathon (hilly trails and ultra), Thrissur Cultural Capital Marathon, and Desinganad Backwaters Marathon showcase the state’s unique landscapes.
Runners love Kerala for:
- Stunning routes — Backwaters in Kochi and Kollam, Arabian Sea views in Kovalam and Calicut, and lush tea gardens in Munnar.
- Perfect mix of challenge and joy — Cooler temperatures in the hills and festive, community-driven events in the cities.
- Family-friendly atmosphere — Many races include short 5K and 3K fun runs ideal for beginners and kids.
- Post-run tourism — Combine your race with houseboat stays, beach relaxation, or hill station getaways.
Despite the tropical climate (heat and humidity), early morning starts and proper hydration make it highly rewarding. If you’re looking for scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and memorable runs, Kerala should be on every runner’s 2026-2027 bucket list!
fatmarathoner.com · Kerala 2026
Marathons & Running Events — Kerala
Full 2026 calendar · backwaters, beaches, hills & trails · 17 events
17
Total events
17
Showing
3 May
Last completed
5K–71K
Distances
Kerala runner tips: Expect 25–32°C + 70–90% humidity. Coastal routes (Kochi, Kovalam, Kannur) are flat and PB-friendly. Hill events (Munnar, Vagamon) offer cooler temps at 1,000–2,200m altitude. Prioritise pre-dawn starts, electrolytes, coconut water recovery, and lightweight breathable gear. Follow #MarathonKerala on X for real-time updates.
TERRAIN:
Road
Trail / Hill
Ultra
Coastal / Beach
Community
Jan 2026
10
Jan
done
Vagamon ULtrail 2026
CompletedVagamon, Kottayam–Idukki Border
60K Ultra
36K Trail
10K Walk
Completed — Jan 10. Organised by Soles of Cochin. Route through tea estates, meadows & single-track trails of Vagamon (‘Scotland of Asia’). 60K needs prior ultra qualification. One of South India’s most sought-after trail races.
11
Jan
done
Rubfila Palakkad Marathon 2026 (2nd Edition)
CompletedPalakkad
42K
21K
10K
5K
Completed — Jan 11. Scenic Palakkad heritage route through the land of lush landscapes; organised by Fort Runners Palakkad.
11
Jan
done
Mathrubhumi Kozhikode Marathon 2026
CompletedKozhikode (Calicut)
21K
10K
5K
Completed — Jan 11. Organised by Mathrubhumi media house. Celebrates Kozhikode’s sporting spirit with a coastal city route.
24
Jan
done
Munnar Marathon 2026
CompletedMunnar, Idukki District
71K Ultra
42K
21K
7K
Completed — Jan 24–25. India’s premier high-altitude trail marathon (1,420–2,200m MSL) through tea estates, Shola forests & Madupetty Dam. Carbon-neutral target. Ultra requires proof of 2 prior full/ultra marathons.
25
Jan
done
Thrissur Cultural Capital Marathon 2026
CompletedIndoor Stadium, Thrissur
42K
20 Miler
21K
10K
5K
Completed — Jan 25. Organised by Endurance Athletes of Thrissur (EAT). Route past temples, heritage sites & Thrissur Pooram landmarks. Kerala’s premier full marathon city event.
Feb 2026
1
Feb
done
Nammude Run — Kochi South Edition 2026
CompletedDurbar Hall Ground, Ernakulam South, Kochi
21K
10K
5K
3K
Kids 1K–3K
Completed — Feb 1. Organised by News18 Kerala. Family-friendly festival of fitness; all ages welcome. Strong community spirit.
1
Feb
done
Kannur Beach Run 2026
CompletedPayyambalam Beach, Kannur
21.1K
10K Vets
10K Open
3K
Completed — Feb 1. Running since 2015. ~60% of the course runs along the Arabian Sea on Payyambalam beach. Generous prize money (21K: ₹1.3L 1st place). Organised by North Malabar Chamber of Commerce.
8
Feb
done
Federal Bank Kochi Marathon 2026 (4th Edition)
CompletedKochi (backwaters route)
42K
21K
10K
3K Green Run
Completed — Feb 8. Kerala’s iconic backwaters marathon route. Backed by Federal Bank & Aster Medcity. Aims to position Kochi as a global sports tourism hub.
8
Feb
done
Calicut Half Marathon 2026 (IIM Kozhikode)
CompletedIIM Kozhikode Campus, Kozhikode
21K
10K
3K Fun Run
Completed — Feb 8. 3,500+ participants. Organised by IIM Kozhikode. 2026 theme: Alzheimer’s & dementia awareness. Route along Kozhikode Beach road.
15
Feb
done
GTech Marathon 2026
CompletedInfopark / Kochi
21K
10K
3K Fun Run
Completed — Feb 15. 10,000+ runners from 100+ IT companies. Anti-drugs & fitness message. One of Kochi’s largest community running events.
Apr 2026
5
Apr
done
Kochi World Health Day Run 2026
CompletedDecathlon Kalamassery, Kochi
10K
5K
3K
Completed — Apr 5. World Health Day themed community run at Decathlon Kalamassery, Kochi.
May 2026
3
May
done
Mother’s Lap 2026 (Soles of Cochin)
CompletedKochi
5K
3K Family Run
Completed — May 3. Annual family run by Soles of Cochin celebrating motherhood. Held on the first Sunday in May. Perfect for mothers, children and first-time runners in a safe, festive environment.
Jul 2026
Nov 2026
15
Nov
UST Trivandrum Marathon 2026 (3rd Edition)
FlagshipUST Campus, Thiruvananthapuram
42K
21K
10K
5K
Date confirmed: Nov 15. Largest marathon in Kerala history — 15,000+ participants expected. Organised by UST & NEB Sports. Starts and ends at UST campus, traversing coastal roads & key city landmarks along Thiruvananthapuram’s festive-season heart.
Date to be announced
Date
TBA
TBA
Spice Coast Marathon 2026 (Kochi)
TBAKochi (historic & coastal route)
42K
21K
5K
Typically last Sunday of October (est. Oct 25 in 2026). Iconic Kochi marathon organised by Soles of Cochin since 2014 — now in its 10th+ edition. Flat, fast course from GCDA Ground, Marine Drive through historic Fort Kochi streets, the spice market & coastline. Watch @solesofcochin for 2026 registration dates.
Date
TBA
TBA
Kovalam Marathon 2026
TBAKovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
42K
21K
10K
5K
Typically September–October (exact 2026 date awaited). Route traces ancient Arabian Sea trade paths past coconut groves, pristine beaches & the iconic Kovalam Lighthouse. Organised by Young Indians (Yi) Trivandrum. 2026 edition runs with the Yi Run for Mental Health awareness campaign.
Date
TBA
TBA
Cochin Carnival Marathon
TBAVasco da Gama Square, Fort Kochi
5K Fun Run
Typically late December, tied to the Cochin Carnival. Festive 5K through Fort Kochi’s heritage streets. Perfect for first-timers and families. 2026 date & registration not yet announced — search for the latest details.
No events match this filter.
Related Running Guides
India Marathon Calendar 2026 — Full Listings
160+ events across 28+ states. Full, Half, Ultra, Trail & Kids runs. Updated weekly.
Explore all India races →
Best River & Beach Marathons in India 2026
Scenic coastal & backwater races — like those in Kerala. Discover more of India’s most beautiful routes.
See coastal races →
Best Mountain Marathons in India 2026
If you loved Munnar or Vagamon, discover trail & mountain races in the Himalayas, Western Ghats & more.
See mountain races →
Upcoming Marathons in Tamil Nadu 2026
Kerala’s neighbouring state with similar climate and a strong South Indian running circuit.
Explore Tamil Nadu →
Marathons in Karnataka & Bengaluru 2026
Great for planning a South India running trip. Includes the TCS World 10K & more.
Explore Karnataka →
Kids Running Events Across India 2026
Family-friendly events from 1K to 5K for young runners. Find events near you.
Find kids’ races →
Kerala Runner Tips – Beat the Heat & Humidity
- Average race-day conditions: 25–32°C + 70–90% humidity (monsoon months especially challenging)
- Key strategies: Early morning hydration, electrolyte tabs/salt sticks, coconut water recovery, lightweight breathable gear
- Coastal flat courses (Kochi, Trivandrum, Kollam) → great for PBs
- Hill/trail events (Munnar) → build strength & mental toughness
- Always verify final dates & routes closer to event. Follow #MarathonKerala on X for real-time updates.
Related Reading: More Marathons Across India
Planning a multi-state running trip or looking for similar experiences? Check out these guides:
- Best River & Beach Marathons in India 2026 — Discover more scenic coastal and backwater races like those in Kerala.
- Best Mountain Marathons in India — Perfect if you loved (or want to try) the hilly trails of Munnar.
- Ultra Marathons in India 2026 Calendar & Training — Detailed guide for the 71K ultra at Munnar and other ultras.
- Upcoming Marathons in Tamil Nadu — Explore South India’s neighboring state with similar climate and races.
- Upcoming Marathons in Karnataka & Bengaluru 2026 — Great for planning a South India running circuit.
- Top Upcoming Marathons & Runs for Kids in India 2026 — Find more family-friendly events across the country.