Mumbai is set to wake up to one of its most iconic sporting spectacles as the 21st edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon is flagged off from the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on January 18.
A World Athletics Gold Label Race, the 2026 edition promises to be the largest and most ambitious in the event’s history, with over 69,000 participants taking part across on-ground and virtual categories.
Promoted by Procam International, this year’s Tata Mumbai Marathon will see more than 65,400 runners on the streets of the city, complemented by over 3,700 virtual participants from across the globe. Adding to the stature of the event is a total prize purse of USD 389,524, attracting some of the finest distance runners from India and abroad.
One of the standout features of the 21st edition is the introduction of the Coastal Road into the marathon route for the first time. Combined with the already iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link, the updated course offers runners uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea and Mumbai’s skyline, blending endurance sport with the city’s evolving urban landscape. The route enhancement underlines how the Tata Mumbai Marathon continues to evolve while retaining its soul.
Over the last two decades, the marathon has played a transformative role in shaping India’s participative sports culture. What began as a single race has grown into a movement that champions fitness, inclusivity, and philanthropy. The Tata Mumbai Marathon has not only placed Mumbai firmly on the global running map but has also inspired thousands of first-time runners, corporate teams, senior citizens, and athletes with disabilities to embrace an active lifestyle.
This year’s participation numbers reflect that sustained growth. The Marathon will feature 14,059 runners, while the Half Marathon has attracted 16,369 participants. The Open 10K will see 8,729 runners, alongside 2,219 senior citizens, 1,140 Champions with Disability, and an impressive 27,453 participants in the Dream Run across on-ground and virtual formats. Notably, the continued rise in women’s participation and the increase in timed runners underline the broad-based adoption of running across age groups and demographics.
Ensuring the smooth execution of an event of this magnitude is a massive logistical undertaking. Race day operations will be supported by over 3,700 policemen, more than 900 security personnel, and around 7,250 volunteers. Among them are over 250 Mumbai Dabbawalas and 260 NCC cadets, whose involvement reflects the community-driven nature of the marathon.
On the elite racing front, the International Men’s field is stacked with quality and experience. Eritrea’s Merhawi Kesete, runner-up in the previous edition, returns as one of the top favourites with a personal best of 2:06:36. He will be challenged by Uganda’s 2023 World Champion Victor Kiplangat, South Africa’s Stephen Mokoka, and a strong Ethiopian contingent featuring Bazezew Asmare, Tadu Abate Deme, Tesfaye Demeke, and Kelkile Gezahegn. The combination of speed, tactics, and experience sets the stage for a fiercely competitive men’s race.
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Indian interest will be equally intense in the Men’s Elite Indian category. Anish Thapa leads the field following his victory at the 2025 Hyderabad Marathon. He will face strong competition from Man Singh, the third-fastest Indian marathoner of all time and the 2024 Asian champion, along with two-time Mumbai champion Srinu Bugatha and the steadily improving Pradeep Singh Chaudhary.
The Women’s International Elite race is expected to deliver high drama as well. Ethiopia’s Medina Deme Armino returns after finishing third last year, while the fastest entrant, Shure Demise, headlines the field. Zinah Senbeta and in-form Yeshi Chekole add further depth to a race that promises fast times and close finishes.
In the Women’s Elite Indian category, history could be made as Nirmaben Thakor chases a remarkable hat-trick of Tata Mumbai Marathon titles. Standing in her way are seasoned campaigners Jyoti Gawate and Lalita Babbar, along with Bhagirathi, Sonam, and emerging talent Ashvini Madan Jadhav.
Beyond competition, the Tata Mumbai Marathon continues to celebrate tradition and camaraderie. The customary Pasta Cook-Out, organised ahead of race day, brought together dignitaries and partners in a symbolic gesture of fueling athletes for the challenge ahead. The event reinforces the marathon’s blend of elite sport, community engagement, and celebration.
Race day will begin early, with the Amateur Marathon starting at 5:00 am from CSMT, followed by the Half Marathon and Police Cup from Mahim Reti Bunder Ground. The Elite Full Marathon will be flagged off at 7:00 am, with subsequent races for Champions with Disability, Senior Citizens, and the Dream Run through the morning. To facilitate runner movement, special suburban trains and early metro services have been arranged across Western, Central, and Harbour railway lines.
As Mumbai prepares to host this landmark edition, the Tata Mumbai Marathon once again stands as a symbol of endurance, unity, and aspiration. For a city that never slows down, January 18 will be a day when thousands run together each stride echoing a shared belief in fitness, resilience, and the power of sport to bring communities together.
