The Tata Mumbai Marathon is set to script a historic first when it returns for its 21st edition on Sunday, January 18, introducing the Mumbai Coastal Road into its race route for the very first time.
With over 65,400 runners expected to take part, the race will transform one of the city’s newest and most ambitious infrastructure projects into a grand public arena blending endurance sport with urban storytelling on a scale few global marathons can match. For more than two decades, the Tata Mumbai Marathon has been synonymous with the city’s iconic landmarks Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
The addition of the Coastal Road marks a significant evolution. Usually defined by fast-moving traffic and daily commutes, the corridor will, on race day, be reclaimed by runners, offering uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea and Mumbai’s ever-evolving skyline.
Race organisers have been deliberate in integrating the new stretch without losing the marathon’s traditional character. The route design balances heritage and modernity, allowing runners to experience both the city’s colonial-era architecture and its contemporary engineering milestones in a single run.
A Route Designed for Every Runner
The 21st edition features a carefully planned layout catering to a wide range of participants:
- Elite Marathon runners will start and finish at CSMT, tackling the full route that includes the Coastal Road and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link—providing a fast yet scenic test for the world’s best athletes.
- The Amateur Marathon also begins at CSMT and concludes on MG Road near Bombay Gymkhana, rewarding sustained endurance with a classic South Mumbai finish.
- The Half Marathon and Police Cup start from Mahim Reti Bunder Ground and finish at OCS Chowki, passing through some of the city’s most recognisable stretches.
- The Open 10K Run, Senior Citizens’ Run, and Dream Run begin at CSMT and finish at MG Road (Metro Junction), bringing together runners of all ages and abilities.
- The Champions With Disability (CWD) Run, starting and finishing at CSMT, ensures accessibility and inclusion remain at the heart of the event.
Showcasing Mumbai on a Global Stage
Shri Anil Kumbhare, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Mumbai, highlighted the scale of planning behind the new route. “By incorporating the Coastal Road into the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 route, we aim to present Mumbai at its finest on a global platform,” he said, adding that extensive inter-agency coordination has ensured robust traffic management, security deployment, and seamless race-day operations.
Race Director Hugh Jones emphasised the marathon’s tradition of reinvention. “Over the last two decades, we have aimed to offer runners new experiences. The inclusion of the Coastal Road captures the progress of this city while retaining the enduring charm of the old route.”
For Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, the new route is symbolic of Mumbai itself. “Introducing the Mumbai Coastal Road into the race route is not only a historic milestone for the marathon but a victory lap for the city’s progress. The route combines heritage with modern transformation, offering runners a truly world-class experience,” he said, while acknowledging the support of the Mumbai Police, MCGM, MSRDC, and the Government of Maharashtra.
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Beyond competition, the marathon remains a festival of community and collective spirit. From elite athletes chasing podium finishes to first-time runners taking tentative steps, the event brings together thousands under a shared sense of purpose. This year’s theme, #HarDilMumbai, reinforces that ethos every stride, cheer, and heartbeat echoing the resilience and inclusivity that define the city.
As Mumbai prepares to come alive on January 18, the Tata Mumbai Marathon’s updated route stands as a celebration of past, present, and future. Running along heritage precincts and engineering marvels alike, participants will experience a city in motion—one that continues to evolve, yet never loses its soul.
