R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, NOV 4
Marking a significant first for the city, the Indian Navy is all set to conduct its maiden Chennai Half Marathon on December 14, 2025, bringing together civilians and defence personnel in a celebration of fitness, unity, and national spirit.
Following the resounding success of Navy Half Marathons in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam, Chennai now joins the circuit with an event designed to inspire collective participation in the Fit India Movement.
- Commodore Suvarat Magon unveils Race Day T-Shirt; Event to promote ‘Drug-Free India, Women’s Empowerment, and Fitness for All’
- Civilians and Defence Personnel to run together for unity, discipline, and national pride
- It will feature three race categories — the INS Adyar Half Marathon (21.1 km), INS Parundu Run (10 km), and INS Pallava Run (5 km) — all starting near Napier Bridge and finishing at INS Adyar Beach
Sponsored by the public-sector lender, Bank of Baroda, powered by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. and supported by Kauvery Hospital as the medical partner, the Chennai Navy Half Marathon 2025 will feature three race categories — the INS Adyar Half Marathon (21.1 km), INS Parundu Run (10 km), and INS Pallava Run (5 km) — all starting near Napier Bridge and finishing at INS Adyar Beach.
Race Day T-Shirt Unveiled
In a spirited ceremony on Tuesday, Commodore Suvarat Magon, Naval Officer-in-Charge (Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area), unveiled the official Race Day T-Shirt in the presence of T. N. Suresh, General Manager & Zonal Head, Bank of Baroda; Dr. Iyappan Ponnuswamy, Medical Director & Chief Radiologist, Kauvery Hospital; and Nagraj Adiga, Race Management Partner.
Speaking at the unveiling, Commodore Magon said, “The maiden Indian Navy Chennai Half Marathon is not just a run, but a movement that unites people for fitness, pride, and purpose. Running alongside the Indian Navy offers citizens a unique opportunity to feel the spirit of service and discipline. By championing the causes of a Drug-Free India, Women Adishakti Power, and a stand against online betting and gambling, we hope to inspire every participant to be an ambassador of positive change.”
Replying to queries, Commodore Magon said, the ‘Half Marathon’ would continue in the coming years with more number of participants and he asserted that the event will continue to be held in Chennai.
Prior to the ‘Half Marathon’, a two-day expo has been arranged by Navy at INS Adyar near Nappier Bridge to apprise the public on the event, he added.
The marathon, themed around “Run for Nation, Run with the Navy,” promotes powerful social causes — including a Drug-Free India, Women Adishakti Power, and a campaign against online betting and gambling — reflecting the strength, endurance, and resilience that define both the Navy and the nation.
Partners Speak
T. N. Suresh, General Manager & Zonal Head, Bank of Baroda – Chennai Zone, said, “Bank of Baroda is proud to associate with the Indian Navy for an event that blends purpose with participation. Through the Navy Half Marathon, we stand together to promote health, unity, and the spirit of a Drug-Free India.”
Dr. Iyappan Ponnuswamy, Medical Director & Chief Radiologist, Kauvery Hospital, remarked, “We at Kauvery Hospital are proud to partner with the Indian Navy Half Marathon as the Medical Partner. Our dedicated medical team will ensure every runner’s safety and well-being throughout the event. Together, we salute the spirit of endurance, discipline, and service that defines both the Indian Navy and every participant.”
Spirit of Camaraderie
The Chennai edition, expected to draw over 8,000 runners, embodies the spirit of camaraderie as citizens run shoulder-to-shoulder with defence personnel — strengthening the bond between the armed forces and the community.
The event offers a prize pool of ₹10 lakh across various race categories, with elaborate arrangements made to ensure participant safety, hydration, and medical support.
Registrations are now open on the official event website: www.chennainavyhalfmarathon.com.
The Indian Navy Chennai Half Marathon 2025 stands as a symbol of discipline, determination, and national pride, motivating citizens to embrace health, unity, and the timeless ethos of the Indian Navy — “Service Before Self.”
