Top 10 Marathons of India
Discover the Ultimate Races to Test Your Limits
In this article, I’ll highlight the top 10 marathons in India based on different factors including my running experience, international and national recognition, organization, refreshment, etc.
1. Mumbai Marathon [IAAF GOLD]
The Tata Mumbai Marathon has achieved a Gold Label from the IAAF, ranking it among the world’s top 10 marathons and the largest in Asia. Organized annually by Procam International, it takes place on the third Sunday of January, starting from the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai and passing through key landmarks like Marine Drive and the Bandra–Worli Sea Link.
- Total Editions: 19
- Participants: 59k
- Race Categories: Marathon, Half Marathon, Dream Run (6k), Senior Citizens’ Run (4.3k), Champions with Disability (2.4k), 10K.
- Upcoming Race: Jan 2025
Founded in 1988 by brothers Anil Singh and Vivek B. Singh, Procam International has been the driving force behind India’s sporting revolution. Most of the major marathons in India is organized by this organisation.
2. Delhi Half Marathon [IAAF GOLD]
The Delhi Half Marathon is not just a race; it’s a celebration of India’s vibrant spirit and a runner’s dream. Initiated by Procam after the resounding success of the Mumbai Marathon, this event has grown into one of the most prestigious half-marathons in the world.
The race route is a scenic tour of Delhi, starting at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and passing through iconic landmarks like Lodhi Road, Amar Jawan Jyoti, Janpath, and India Gate. The atmosphere is electric, and the course is both challenging and rewarding for runners of all levels.
While I would have considered this my best race experience, the decision to sell race photos at ₹1800 left a sour note. Many runners, including myself, look forward to race-day pictures as cherished memories, and this commercialization felt unnecessary.
- Total Editions: 19
- Participants: 36k
- Race Categories: Half Marathon, Open 10K, Great Delhi Run (4.5k), Senior Citizens’ Run (2.5k), Champions With Disability (2.5k)
- Upcoming Race: Oct 2025
Race Ratings
- Website & Social: 10/10
- Race Expo, T-shirt & Bib Collection: 7/10
- Ease of Reaching the Venue: 9/10
- Pre-Race Management: 6/10
- Track Arrangement & Refreshments: 9/10
- On-Course View & Ambience: 10/10
- Post-Race Refreshments, Medal Collection, & Care: 8/10
- Race Photos & Results: 1/10
World Athletics Label Road Races, formerly IAAF Label Road Races, represent top-tier global road races, including marathons, half marathons, and unique distances. Organizers must meet rigorous criteria, ensuring international elite participation, course standards, ecological responsibility, and gender equality in prize money. These races are categorized as: Platinum, Gold, Elite, and Label.
3. World 10K Bengaluru [IAAF GOLD]
Renowned as one of the world’s premier 10K runs, it starts and finishes at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, traversing the vibrant streets of Bangalore. It holds the distinction of being the youngest race to attain the prestigious IAAF Gold Label.
- Total Editions: 16
- Participants: 28k
- Race Categories: World 10K (for international & National Athletes), Open 10k, Majja Run (5.7km), Senior Citizens’ Run (4.2k), Champions with Disability event (4.2k), Corporate Champions Run(10km)
- Upcoming Race: Apr 2025
4. Kolkata 25k [IAAF ELITE]
Tata Steel Kolkata 25K stands out as the sole World Athletics Accredited 25K race, offering a substantial USD 100,000 prize pool and attracting top athletes worldwide alongside India’s finest and amateur runners in the vibrant City of Joy.
This event has ignited a running revolution in eastern India, epitomizing the city’s dynamism and unity. It serves as a platform for Kolkatans to unite, experience pride, celebrate, and contribute positively to their community, embodying the spirit of Aamar Kolkata, Aamar Run — the city’s ultimate participative sporting festival.
- Total Editions: 8
- Participants: 17k
- Race Categories: 25k, Open 10k, Ananda Run (4.5k), Silvers’ Run (2.3k), Champions with disability
- Upcoming Race: Dec 2024
To earn the title of Procam Slam Champion starting from January 2023, participants must complete the designated race in all four Procam Running events within set time limits. These races include the Open 10K, HM, 25K Run, and FM, each with specific finish time criteria. The Procam Slam features 8 leaderboards for both male and female runners, with rewards including a special running kit, choice of running number, medal, lapel pin, framed race day photographs, certificate, waived entry fees, and extended registration periods. Top performers in each leaderboard are eligible for prize money.
5. Tata Ultra Marathon [IAU Bronze]
India’s first IAU-certified ultramarathon, held annually in February or March in Lonavala.
The event featured two challenging routes: the AFI and AIMS-certified 50km Ultramarathon and the 35km Tata Challenge Run. Both courses presented runners with undulating terrain, testing their stamina and resolve. Athletes from various parts of the country grappled with self-doubt, fatigue, and the elements, forging a profound connection with themselves while pushing their limits against the picturesque Sahyadri slopes.
- Total Editions: 7
- Participants: 3k
- Race Categories: Ultra Marathon (50k), Challenge Run (35k)
- Upcoming Race: Feb 2025
The International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) serves as the global authority for ultra running, overseeing races exceeding the standard marathon distance of 42.2 km. It oversees and authorizes World Championships across various ultramarathon distances, while also monitoring world records in ultra distance races endorsed by the IAU. Operating under the auspices of World Athletics, the IAU adheres to the regulations set forth by World Athletics.
6. Bengaluru Marathon [IAAF LABEL]
The Bengaluru Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label road race which takes runners through important landmarks of the city.
- Total Editions: 10
- Participants: 25k
- Race Categories: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k Fun Run
- Upcoming Race: May 2024
7. Ladakh Marathon
The Ladakh Marathon, certified by AIMS, stands as one of the world’s most challenging high-altitude races. Its signature event, the 72km ultra Khardungla Challenge, has evolved from 11 to nearly 250 participants since 2012, establishing itself as a premier Ultra Marathon and attracting elite runners worldwide.
- Total Editions: 9
- Participants: 6k
- Race Categories: 5K fun run, 11.2 K run, Half Marathon, Marathon, Khardung la challenge (5370 m), Silk Route Ultra
- Upcoming Race: Sep 2024
Established in May 1982, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) emerged from discussions among marathon race directors, becoming a pivotal organization for long-distance road running races. AIMS fosters global distance running, collaborates with the IAAF, and facilitates information exchange among members. Headquartered in Athens and supported by OPAP-VisitGreece, AIMS sets global standards for course measurement and partners with World Athletics to recognize world road records.
8. Tuffman Gurugram Half Marathon
Experience the thrill of running through the heart of Gurugram along Golf Course Road. The meticulously organized bib collection event sets the tone for a seamless race day experience. With a track arrangement and refreshment stations earning high marks, this marathon promises a memorable and well-supported journey.
- Total Editions: 4
- Total Event Participation: 8k
- Track Arrangement with Refreshment (during the race): 9/10
- Refreshment (post-race): 6/10
- Bib-collection event: 9/10
- Medal collection: 9/10
- Race Photos and Results: 8/10
Other races organized by Tuffman:
- 24 Hours Stadium Run Chandigarh / 6 editions — March
- Island Ultra & Half Marathon Andaman / 4 editions— Feb
- Jaipur 10k / 2 editions— Jan
- Kasauli Hills Half Marathon / 4 editions— Dec
- Beach Ultra & Half Marathon Goa / 7 editions — Oct
- Chandigarh Half Marathon / 4 editions— Oct
9. Starry Night Marathon
Immerse yourself in the pulsating energy of a night event. Music fills the air, with people dancing both on and off the stage, creating a vibrant party atmosphere. While the post-race food delights the taste buds, the long queues for food distribution leave room for improvement. Despite some logistical challenges, the electric atmosphere and charged-up runners make this event truly unforgettable.
- Total Editions: 8
- Total Participants: 4k
- Track Arrangement with Refreshment (during the race): 6/10
- Refreshment (post-race): 8/10
- Bib-collection event: 6/10
- Medal collection: 5/10
- Race Photos and Results: 5/10
10. Kavery Trail Marathon
The Kaveri Trail Marathon was first run in 2007 with 700 participants. KTM is the country’s oldest trail marathon and is also one of the most beautiful routes to run in. It all started in May 2007, with a bunch of enthusiasts. The first in the country. The idea fired the imagination, of course! And just like that, the Kaveri Trail Marathon was born. KTM attracts enthusiastic trail runners from across the country, some of whom come back to run every single year. One can choose to run the marathon, half marathon, the 10K or 5K Run.
- Total Editions: 15+
- Race Categories: FM, HM, 10k, 5k Fun Run
- Upcoming Race: Nov 2024
Other Notable Mentions
NMDC Hyderabad Marathon [IAAF BASIC]
India’s second-largest marathon event with over 25,000 participants, the event is a prominent fixture in the country’s running calendar. Organized by the Hyderabad Runners Society (HRS), it takes place annually in Hyderabad, the City of Pearls, on the last weekend of August.
India Backyard Ultra
The Backyard Ultra is an ultramarathon where runners tackle a 6.7 km loop within an hour, with those completing a lap in time advancing to the next round. The race continues until only one runner remains, earning the title of winner, while others receive a “DNF” status.
Munnar Half Marathon
This event champions a healthy lifestyle while showcasing athletes’ abilities on a high-altitude, traffic-free, and pollution-free marathon route. Participants can savour fresh air as they walk, trek, or run, with mist adding to the uniquely memorable experience.
Satara Hill Marathon
This annual event is held in the scenic city of Satara every September and is a celebration of human strength, perseverance, and the power of community.
Goa River Marathon
The SKF Goa River Marathon (SKF GRM), now in its 14th year, offers a scenic 42.195 KM route along the Zuari River in Goa. Held at Chicalim village, SKF GRM is a top marathon in India with an AIMS-certified route boasting scenic river views and tree-lined paths.
The Hell Race
THE HELL RACE hosts India’s most challenging endurance races, featuring offbeat trails and celebrated roads. Each year, the Ultra Running Community participates in one of the 6 Events, totalling 20 races, for the ultimate ultra adventures.
Pune International Marathon
The Pune International Marathon is a prestigious event in India, uniting thousands since 1983. It promotes social causes, boasts a scenic route through Pune’s historic sites, and celebrates remarkable stories of triumph, embodying unforgettable moments of tears and triumph.
OOTYULTRA
OOTYULTRA, by KaysFIT Academy, features 90k, 60k, 30k, and 15k races. The scenic route explores Ooty’s streets, forests, and village paths, with a detour to Doddabetta Peak, South India’s second-highest summit.
I’d love to hear about your running adventures in the comments below! Share your latest races, favourite moments, or future goals! 🏅
Also, I recently voiced my thoughts on LinkedIn regarding Procam International charging runners for race day photos. If you agree, please check it out and show your support! 🙌
