Chennai Marathon 2025

Having run few marathon and Ultra in Tamil Nadu before, this does not really help in my India-Marathon project.But I always had a sweet spot for the Chennai Marathon, organized by Chennai Runners, on my bucket list. This event has a reputation for its vibrant atmosphere, and many runners use it as a preparatory race for the Mumbai Marathon, often regarded as the pinnacle of road running in India.

In mid-November 2024, I finally signed up for the Chennai Full Marathon 2025, set to take place on the first Sunday of the new year. Excitement kicked in as I reached out to Simantha, a regular participant, for insights about the event. Soon after, we booked our travel on the Shatabdi Express together.

Prepping for the Big Day

My preparation involved gradually increasing my long runs—covering 23K, 27K, and just one 30K. I owe much of this consistency to Arun, who joined me on a few long runs as he trained for the Border Ultra. With the race in mind, I maintained a disciplined routine, fitting in shorter runs early in the morning before work consumed the day.

Chennai Arrival & Expo Adventures

The journey to Chennai brought back memories of a similar trip nearly a decade ago when I traveled with a big group of running friends for the DRHM. This time, Pamela kindly dropped me off at the Cantonment Station for an early morning start.

The train ride was uneventful, but upon arrival at Chennai Central, getting a cab proved challenging. The expo was located far from the city center, and the cab fares felt exorbitant—costing more than the train ticket from Bangalore! After collecting our bibs, we had a quick lunch at the neighboring A2B, enjoying a hearty South Indian meal.

The traffic on the way back to the city was intense, and I found myself dozing off, exhausted from the early start and a sleepless train journey. We checked into Fortel, a conveniently located hotel near Egmore Station, just a short distance from the race’s starting point.

That evening, we kept it simple with a light dinner and some good conversation with Bobby and Susan, who were also staying at the hotel.

Race Report

I woke up at 2:30 AM after snatching whatever sleep I could manage. The excitement and exhaustion from traveling hadn’t completely worn off, but a quick shower helped me feel race-ready. My goal was to maintain a comfortable pace, avoid walking towards the end, and enjoy the experience.

The race started at 4 AM, with the course winding through Chennai’s major roads. The terrain was flat, save for a flyover and a bridge. The event featured four categories: 10K, 21K, 32K (20-miler), and 42K. While the 21K started mid-course, the 32K and 42K runners shared the route for the most part, diverging only after the 30K mark.

I started conservatively, covering the first kilometer in 7 minutes. As I eased into the rhythm, I picked up the pace slightly and even managed some small talk with fellow runners. The last 5K of the marathon stood out, with aid stations stocked with gels and even Coke. It might not be the healthiest drink, but during a marathon, its sugar and caffeine kick are unmatched!

At around the 38K mark, I tagged along with a runner from Malaysia, challenging myself to keep pace with him for the next 4 kilometers. Although my splits slowed down in the final stretch, I was thrilled to cross the finish line. Completing the marathon, despite the inevitable fatigue, was incredibly satisfying.

A Sweet Reunion

The highlight of this short trip, however, was meeting my old friend Saji after nearly 29 years. Now heading a hydrogen company in Chennai, Saji went out of his way to meet me post-race and treated me to a fantastic breakfast at one of his favorite spots.

Looking back, the Chennai Marathon wasn’t just a run; it was an experience filled with nostalgia, camaraderie, and the joy of reconnecting with old friend.

Now back to trainings as I have another marathon in 4 weeks in Jaipur.

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