Over 7,000 Runners Celebrate Fitness and Community Spirit at the 15th Hexaware Dream Runners Half Marathon 2026

Chennai witnessed an inspiring morning of determination, fitness and community spirit as the 15th edition of the Hexaware Dream Runners Half Marathon 2026 concluded successfully with the participation of over 7,000 runners from across the country. The city's iconic roads came alive as thousands of enthusiastic runners challenged themselves while promoting healthy living and social responsibility.

The prestigious 21.1 km Half Marathon was flagged off at 4:30 a.m. from Napiers Bridge by Thiru. P. Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, T. Nagar District, Greater Chennai City Police, with more than 2,500 runners taking part. The 10 km race began at 5:15 a.m., flagged off by Mrs. K. Bhavaneeswari, Inspector General of Police, Singapenn Special Force, attracting over 4,500 participants.

Runners enjoyed one of Chennai's most scenic routes, covering landmarks including Napiers Bridge, Marina Beach, Santhome High Road, Adyar and Besant Avenue, before finishing triumphantly at Island Ground. The enthusiastic support from volunteers, spectators and organizers created an unforgettable race-day atmosphere.

Ahead of the marathon, the Race Expo held at R.K. Convention Centre, Neelankarai, enabled participants to collect their race kits, while Olympian and former Indian Hockey Team Captain & Coach Vasudevan Bhaskaran was felicitated for his remarkable contribution to Indian sports.

Organised by Dream Runners, one of Chennai's largest running communities with 13 chapters, the event once again showcased its commitment to sustainability through Plogging initiatives and zero food wastage, making the marathon both environmentally responsible and socially meaningful.

21K Open Winners: Women – Nitu Kumari (Winner), Doli Giri (Runner-up), Divya S (Second Runner-up). Men – Rohit Binnar (Winner), Rohit Rama (Runner-up), Udit Pal (Second Runner-up).

10K Open Winners: Women – Tamanna (Winner), Anjali Panfit (Runner-up), Deepa Ramakrishnan (Second Runner-up). Men – Amit Patil (Winner), Love Chaudhary (Runner-up), Rushi Wavre (Second Runner-up).

Beyond the finish line, the marathon continued its long-standing social mission by supporting Freedom Trust, PCVC, and Vijay Human Services, benefiting amputees, burn and acid attack survivors, and individuals with intellectual disabilities. The successful 15th edition once again strengthened the Hexaware Dream Runners Half Marathon's reputation as one of South India's premier running events, inspiring thousands to embrace fitness while running for a greater cause.

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