Chennai Runners proudly present the 14th edition of the iconic Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2026 powered by Ashok Leyland
After last year’s spectacular run, we’re set to make the 2026 edition bigger, faster, and more unforgettable than ever—an experience that will leave its mark not just on Chennai, but on the global running map. The race begins at the iconic Napier Bridge, tracing the Marina with its refreshing sea breeze, before heading south along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR). With January bringing Chennai’s most pleasant weather, it’s the perfect season to run.
Over the years, FCM has cemented its place among India’s premier marathons. Recognition by the Abbott World Marathon Majors means that athletes who achieve the Automatic Qualifying Time in their age group earn a coveted direct entry to the 2027 AbbottWMM MTT Age Group World Championships.
Adding to our accolades, we proudly earned the SheRACES accreditation in 2024—ensuring a level start line where women have the same opportunities as men.
Our success is built on the unwavering support of the Greater Chennai Police and the Chennai Corporation, whose commitment guarantees a safe and seamless race day. We’re equally grateful to our title sponsor Freshworks and our partner Ashok Leyland for powering this journey.
At the heart of it all is the vibrant running community that Chennai Runners has nurtured for 19 years—a family bound by camaraderie, sportsmanship, and a shared passion for running. This is a run by runners, for runners. As a volunteer-driven organisation, Chennai Runners brings to you a pure running event with distances of 10K, 21K, 32K, and 42K—so there’s a distance to suit every pair of feet.
With bus services arranged to bring runners back to the city from the finish venue, long-distance participants can travel with ease. Adding to this, Chennai Metro is partnering with the event to provide special early morning services, ensuring runners reach the start venue comfortably.
On Sunday, 4th January 2026, we invite you to be part of the next chapter in our story. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, running for fun, or soaking in the electric atmosphere, the Freshworks Chennai Marathon has something for everyone. And with our near-flat course, it’s the perfect stage for those chasing that PB.
Let’s run together, celebrate together, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
It takes all of us to outrun… see you at the start line!
Chennai Runners turned 19 this year and with it brought a year of growth, milestones and new beginnings.
We kicked off with our most successful Couch to 5K program ever. Over 1,300 first-timers joined us,trained with dedication, and proudly completed their first 5K in June. Their energy reminded us of our mission, to make running welcoming for all.
A major leap came with our partnership with SheRaces, an international accreditation given to events that actively work towards creating a more inclusive environment for women in races. This marks our evolution from a running group to an accrediting body. As the India partner for SheRaces, we have awarded 5 running events this year with this special recognition.
Our CR Calendar events were as vibrant as ever, each one a roaring success. This year, we introduced CR Bigs Backyard Ultra – the global endurance challenge where the last person standing wins. A first of its kind in Chennai, it was a thrilling addition for our ultra-running enthusiasts, adding to our already diverse line-up.
Giving back remained at the heart of our work. Through FCM ‘25 Charities, we achieved our highest-ever fundraising, partnering with five NGOs spanning education, health, environment, sports, and arts. The generosity and passion of our runners turned miles into meaningful impact.
Now, all eyes are on our flagship, the Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2026. This race is not just growing in numbers; it’s also growing in the quality of the experience we deliver. The fact that Ashok Leyland has joined us as our Powered By partner is a strong testament to the event’s growing stature and its place on the national running stage.
With each stride, we’re moving closer to a landmark 20 th year for Chennai Runners!
Running a marathon is more than a race; it's a test of will. Last year was my first time running the 10k at The Freshworks Chennai Marathon, the crowd’s energy was a force you had to harness.That's the mindset we live by at Freshworks: grit, teamwork, and community. It’s the same drive that pushes you through the last mile when your legs are screaming. I’m already focused on 2026, ready to hit the streets with the home crowd.To every runner out there: find your fire, dig deep, and leave it all on the pavement
AIMS Certified Course
The Freshworks Chennai MarathonPowered by Ashok Leylandroute is officially certified by AIMS – Association of International Marathons and Distance Races,the global organization that partners with World Athletics to ensure the highest standards for road race measurements.
An AIMS Certified Course guarantees:
• International Measurement Standards followed using the Jones Counter Method
• Exact Distance Accuracy
o Marathon: 42.195 km
o Half Marathon: 21.0975 km
o Twenty Miler – 32.186 km
o 10 KM
• Eligibility for World Rankings, Records & Qualification
o Times recorded on AIMS-certified routes are globally recognized
• Consistency and Reliability
o Runners can track true personal performance improvements across events worldwide
This certification confirms that runners completing the race have covered the precise official distance, neither short nor unmeasured.
To earn AIMS certification, the FCM course underwent:
1. Preliminary Measurement
o Conducted by an AIMS Grade-B Certifier
2. Jones Counter Calibration
o Bicycle measurement method approved by World Athletics
3. Route Optimization
o Ensuring correct racing line, straightness, and turn precision
4. Safety & Accessibility Review
o Compliance with event and athlete safety norms
5. Official Validation & Documentation
o Approved route map & certificate issued by AIMS
This AIMS Certification remains valid as long as the course remains unchanged.
The Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) is a series of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world - Tokyo Marathon, B.A.A. Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon.
Encompassing an annual series for elite runners and elite wheelchair athletes, AbbottWMM also applauds the achievements and passion of everyday champions from around the world. The AbbottWMM Six Star System is an online results hub that celebrates every runner who has completed from one to six of the races in the series and encourages them to 'Reach for the Stars'.
The AbbottWMM Global Run Club launched in August 2020 and aims to bring together the global community of marathon runners on a virtual platform.
Freshworks Chennai Marathon Powered by Ashok Leyland has been recognised by ABBOTT WORLD MARATHON MAJORS to be part of their age ranking from FCM 2023 Edition onwards.
For more information, visit www.Abbottwmm.com and www.Abbottwmmglobalrunclub.com
SheRACES is a non profit organisation in UK founded by Ultrarunner Sophie Powers. The aim was to ensure women have the same opportunities as men. Where races are designed through a female lens as well as a man’s. Where women are encouraged to participate, that their differences are taken into account and their achievements are held in equal regard. There are a few set guidelines that each organisation and their races needs to adhere to in order to be accredited by SheRACES.
Chennai Runners received the SheRACES accreditation in May 2024.
For more information, visit https://www.sheraces.com/
Thank you for successfully registering your company for the upcoming Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2026, Powered by Ashok Leyland !
We look forward to seeing your team at the start line and cheering you on as you run together towards a memorable race day.
As part of the event experience, we will also be capturing a Corporate Group Photograph of all registered teams—so gather your colleagues and get ready for a great team moment!
Corporate registrations for this edition are now closed; however, if you have any new enquiries, clarifications, or special requests, please feel free to contact us at corporateregistration@chennairunners.in and our team will be happy to assist you.
At Freshworks, we've always believed that building a company is like running a marathon, it takes grit and resilience and the community spirit where everybody is a winner. We have a lot in common with the iconic Chennai Marathon which also started a little over a decade ago. With a shared passion for all things Chennai, its people, art, culture, and vibe, we are thrilled to be associated with the largest marathon in South India.
