NE SPORTS BUREAU
CHENNAI, MAR 5
As the first light shimmered across the Bay of Bengal, Chennai’s iconic East Coast Road transformed into a ribbon of resolve, rhythm and responsibility. The SBI Green Marathon Season 6 arrived in the Tamil Nadu capital with purpose — blending athletic excellence with environmental action under the unifying call: “Run for a Greener India.”
Hosted at G Square Tranquil, Uthandi, along the scenic ECR stretch, the Chennai leg drew more than 4,000 participants — seasoned runners, students, defence personnel, corporate teams, families and fitness enthusiasts — each stride echoing a shared commitment to sustainability and healthier living.
- 4,000+ Runners Turn ECR into a Living Track of Sustainability and Speed
- From Sunrise Sprints to Sea-Breeze Surges, Fitness Meets Environmental Responsibility
- SBI Leaders Flag Off Tamil Nadu Leg of 17-City Green Movement
- Eco-First Race Kits, Plantable BIBs and Zero-Waste Protocols Define the Run
- AIMS-Certified 5K, 10K & Half Marathon Routes Elevate Chennai’s Sporting Calendar
After energising cities such as Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Thiruvananthapuram, the nationwide green movement found a natural ally in Chennai — a city celebrated for its disciplined running culture and growing environmental consciousness.
Leaders Flag Off the Green Wave
The marathon was ceremoniously flagged off by senior officials from the State Bank of India, including Vivekanand Choubey, Chief General Manager; M V R Murali Krishna, General Manager Network 1; Joby Jose, General Manager Network 2; S Haritha Poornima, General Manager Network 3; Srinivasa Rao Vallamchitti, General Manager CAG Chennai; and Srinivasa Rao Jonnalagaddda, General Manager CCGRO Chennai.
The leadership presence underscored the bank’s commitment to sustainability, inclusive growth and nation-building through initiatives designed to inspire collective action.
A Race Designed with the Planet in Mind
True to its eco-first philosophy, the Chennai edition delivered a thoughtfully curated green race experience:
- Organic T-shirts and plantable BIBs, encouraging runners to reduce waste and grow life after the finish line.
- Reusable cloth goodie bags, cutting down on single-use plastics.
- Black alkaline water, supporting hydration, endurance and recovery across race categories.
- Dedicated waste management systems, ensuring responsible segregation and disposal throughout the venue.
Every operational detail reinforced the marathon’s larger environmental message — that sporting excellence and sustainability can stride side by side.
Energy On and Off the Track
Adding vibrant energy to the coastal morning were Radio Mirchi’s RJ Maddy and RJ Jithin, whose spirited hosting, engaging banter and motivational cues kept participants charged from warm-up to finish.
The competitive edge remained intact with AIMS-certified 5K, 10K and Half Marathon routes, guaranteeing international-standard course accuracy and safety. The expansive ECR roads, cooled by sea breezes and framed by golden morning light, offered runners both a physical challenge and a visual reward.
Chennai’s Green Milestone
From the first horn at dawn to eco-conscious post-run celebrations, Chennai seamlessly merged sport with social responsibility. Each kilometre conquered along the coastline symbolised not just endurance, but environmental advocacy in motion.
As the 17-city journey of SBI Green Marathon Season 6 continues across India, Chennai has carved its chapter — proving that when a city runs with purpose, it doesn’t merely chase finish lines; it advances a movement.
In the rhythm of pounding feet and the whisper of the sea, one message rang clear: a greener tomorrow begins with the steps we take today.
