Changanacherry Marathon 2026 - Kerala

The Changanacherry Marathon 2026, presented by Sargakshetra and powered by Muthoot Finance, returns for its fifth season on Sunday, 29 November. Its message, Run Against Drug Abuse, connects an early-morning community running festival with Sargakshetra's wider work promoting healthier lifestyles and positive opportunities for young people in Kottayam district. The programme is deliberately inclusive: experienced runners can target a timed half marathon or 10K, while families and younger participants have shorter events of their own.

Course and setting

The organiser locates the start and finish at the Kristu Jyoti College of Management and Technology grounds in Chethipuzha, just outside central Changanacherry. The 21K route travels through Kurisummoodu Junction, Railway Junction Road, Laikkad Junction and towards Palathara Bypass and the MC Road before returning to the college. The shorter 10K follows a different out-and-back route via Kurisummoodu, Railway Junction Road and Laikkad Junction. The non-competitive 3K follows local roads to Veliayakulam Junction and back. These are road courses, with the organiser advertising regular hydration points, patrolling volunteers and ambulances; runners should consult the final course briefing for road controls and aid locations.

Race-day programme

The 21K flags off at 05:00 and the 10K at 05:30 Indian Standard Time. The dedicated 2.5K Teens Run for ages 13-15 is advertised for 06:30; the official registration platform lists it as chip timed, with an entry fee of INR 600. The 3K Fun Walk/Run is untimed, but start information differs between organiser pages: the main overview says 07:00 while the race-specific page says 07:30. Families should confirm its final start time directly. The 1K children's race caters for boys and girls aged 6-9 and 10-12, with starts advertised at 07:30 and 07:45 for the two groups, subject to final confirmation. The 2.5K distance is described here rather than in a distance card because ARC does not yet have a 2.5K distance option.

Entries, safety and preparation

The organiser lists 18 November 2026 as the registration deadline and sets age minima of 18 for 21K and 15 for 10K. Runners are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before their starts, and photo identification is required when collecting race kits. The organiser warns that roads will progressively reopen after 08:00 and that participants remaining on course after 09:00 may be withdrawn for safety. The 21K and 10K feature age-category prize money and online finishing certificates; shorter races emphasise participation and youth engagement. Entry is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another runner.

Race-kit collection is at Sargakshetra's Chethipuzha office, scheduled for 27 and 28 November, 10:00-18:00 on each day. No race-day kit collection is offered. A friend can collect a kit with the runner's confirmation, signed authorisation and identification. The organisers advertise a T-shirt, medal, breakfast, on-course hydration, emergency assistance and event photography. Check the official organiser and registration pages for any last-minute changes.