Chandigarh Gears Up for Its First International Marathon 🏃‍♂️🌍

On 1st March, 2026, Chandigarh will make history as it hosts the first-ever Chandigarh International Marathon, a landmark event that promises to transform the city’s sporting calendar. Organised by the Sports Department of the Chandigarh Administration, this Marathon is set to be the largest sporting spectacle the city has ever seen.

A Global Gathering of Runners

With over 3,500 participants, including 38 international athletes, the Marathon is poised to become one of the region’s most prestigious running events. The race will be flagged off by Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, underscoring the significance of this milestone.

Four Categories, One Spirit

The Marathon offers something for everyone, with four distinct race categories:

Full Marathon (42.195 km): A scenic six-hour challenge starting and ending at Chandigarh Club, covering iconic landmarks like Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and Rose Garden Road.
Half Marathon: A single round of the same picturesque route.
10-km Timed Run: Passing through Matka Chowk, Air Force Museum, and Government Museum before looping back.
5-km Run: A shorter, spirited race along the Sukhna Path stretch.

Big Rewards Await

With a prize pool of ₹1,00,16,000, this Marathon isn’t just about endurance—it’s also one of the most rewarding sporting events ever organised in Chandigarh.

Full Marathon: ₹20,000 – ₹7,00,000
Half Marathon: ₹15,000 – ₹4,00,000
10-km Timed Run: ₹7,000 – ₹2,00,000

Prizes will also be distributed across age categories (18-50+), with a total of 138 winners recognised. Even participants in the 5-km run will receive medals and certificates to celebrate their achievement.

Community and Celebration

The event is proudly supported by The Coca-Cola Company, which has contributed ₹25 lakh to ensure its success. Governor Kataria has called on citizens, institutions, and organisations to welcome the athletes warmly, highlighting that the Marathon is not just a race but a celebration of endurance, discipline, and collective spirit.

A Defining Day for Chandigarh

As the city prepares to run together, 1st March is set to be remembered as a defining day in Chandigarh’s sporting history. Beyond competition, the Marathon embodies a vision of fitness, sportsmanship, and community pride, placing Chandigarh firmly on the international sporting map.