Pune International Marathon to be held on December 6, over 10,000 runners registered

The 40th Pune International Marathon will be held in Pune on Sunday, December 6, 2026. It is counted among the oldest international marathons in India, according to an announcement by the Pune International Marathon Charitable Trust.

The marathon's founder, the late Suresh Kalmadi, died in January 2026. To honour his outstanding contribution to sport, this year's race will be run as the "Late Suresh Kalmadi Pune International Marathon 2026".

More than 10,000 runners from across the country have so far registered for the race. Over 100 international runners from countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania are expected to take part. The last date for registration is November 20, 2026, and registration is open on the website www.marathonpune.com.

The social message of this year's marathon is "Support Environmental Sustainability". Sumant Vaikar is the race director, while Vasant Gokhale is the technical director. Gurbaaz Kaur and Rohan More are joint directors.

To carry forward the legacy of the late Dr Rajendra Jagtap, former chairman of the medical committee, Dr Yuvraj Jagtap, Dr Shivsharan and Dr Priyank Jawale will coordinate medical services.

All races will start from the Baburao Sanas ground near Saras Baug. The full marathon (42.195 km) will start at 3.00 am and the half marathon (21.0975 km) at 3.30 am. The 10 km race will start at 6.30 am, the 5 km race at 7.30 am and the 3.5 km race at 7.45 am.

Some minor changes have been made to the route in view of runners' safety. The revised route will be announced in mid-November. Special finisher medals will be given to those who complete the full and half marathons.

Bisleri (hydration), Pocari Sweat (electrolyte) and Suhana Group (breakfast) will support the event. Students from various colleges will work as volunteers.

Abhay Chhajed, chairman of the organising committee, has appealed to people to make this 40th celebration of Pune's sporting tradition a success.