A Runner’s Guide to Marathons in India

“The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”
– John Bingham, No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running

Running has become the new ‘it’ sport. With multiple new run clubs, it has also become a social activity for people of all ages across India. Running is a great way to start your fitness journey, and there’s always one thing that follows that - the goal to run a marathon. Full or half, 5k or 10k, no matter the distance, completing a marathon is a flex. 

Marathons are the best test of determination, endurance and grit. In India, marathons have become more than just a sporting event; it’s an activity that brings together thousands of people - professional and newbies - who sweat it out for the adrenaline. The feeling of crossing that finish line? It’s liberating. 

My running journey started in 2020, yes, it was a COVID thing. Today, I have not only completed two Ironman 70.3 but also participated in many marathons all over India. 

The seed of Athleera was planted in my head because of all those marathons. The question that kept popping up was “What should I wear?”, “What’s the best running t-shirt?”, “Where can I find good quality, long-lasting, premium active wear in India that is also affordable?” The only solution in my head was to start some research and create a brand myself. It took years, but I figured it out. 

The Technical Tee and CoreSupport Sports Bra are two products I can proudly present to all my fellow runners. They’ve been specially designed to survive in the ‘long run’. Puns apart, the lightweight technical running tee feels like butter on your skin, doesn’t chafe and is good for those looking for sweat-wicking running apparel. The lightweight sports bra supports you gently, has no itchy material and will be your perfect running buddy. 

Being a runner myself, I wanted to design running clothes to survive the weather in India. Sweat sesh, but make it chill, with fabrics that are comfortable, breathable, and anti-chafe. 

Here’s a list of marathons I suggest to start, or continue your running journey (wearing Athleera’s running gear, of course): 

New Delhi Marathon
An annual marathon that takes place typically in late February. The route takes you through heritage landmarks like JLN Stadium, India Gate, Red Fort, etc., which makes the journey all the more fun. You will also find many international runners who come all the way to participate. 

Distances: Full, Half, 10k, 5k. 

NMDC Hyderabad Marathon
Organised by the Hyderabad Runners Society, this is India’s second-largest marathon. It is also AIMS-certified. It is usually held on the last Sunday of August and has a point-to-point course from People’s Plaza through the IT corridor, Jubilee Hills, and ending at the Gachibowli Stadium. This marathon is known for its festive energy, sustainability, and strong community involvement.

Distances: Full, Half, 10k, 5k. 

Tata Mumbai Marathon
Known as Asia’s largest marathon, it is internationally recognised with a prize pool of approximately US$405,000. It happens on every third Sunday in January and is a major philanthropic and sporting event that attracts many elite global runners. 

Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Dream Run (6 km), Senior Citizens’ Run, Champions with Disability (2.1 km), Open 10K.

Wipro Bengaluru Marathon
This is a flagship marathon in Bengaluru, sponsored by Wipro and organised by NEB Sports. It happens late September every year and has a flat urban course with landmarks like Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, and Bangalore Palace.

Distances: Full, Half, 10k, 5k. 

So, if you are looking for the best sports bra for running or the best running t-shirt in India, I suggest giving your local brand Athleera a try and GROW THE DISTANCE.