The iconic Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) is set for a spectacular upgrade in its 21st edition, with the newly opened Coastal Road being integrated into the race route for the very first time. This significant change promises to offer thousands of participants a fresh and memorable running experience along Mumbai's coastline.
A New Chapter for India's Premier Marathon
Scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2025, the World Athletics Gold Label race will witness history as runners traverse the eight-lane Coastal Road, inaugurated in March 2024. While the expressway has been a boon for motorists, race organizers Procam International had previously avoided using it. However, a change in plan for this year's edition means both the full marathon (42.195 km) and the half marathon will incorporate this engineering marvel.
Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, expressed gratitude for the support from authorities. "We are fortunate and deeply thankful to the Mumbai Police, MCGM, MSRDC, and the government of Maharashtra for their unwavering support," Singh said. "The inclusion of the Coastal Road will truly offer runners a unique and memorable new experience."
Mapping the New Coastal Road Route
The integration of the Coastal Road will strategically alter the flow of the race. For athletes attempting the grueling full marathon, the new segment will come into play twice. Initially, runners will proceed from Haji Ali onto the northbound carriageway of the Coastal Road, heading towards the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
Later, on the return leg from Worli Sea Face, participants will re-enter the Coastal Road at the Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk, which is near the 30-kilometer mark. They will then exit at the Acharya Atre Junction on Lala Lajpatrai Road's northbound carriageway, around the 33-kilometer point.
Half marathon runners will also get a taste of this new stretch. Their experience on the return leg will be identical to the second segment used by the full marathon participants, providing a challenging and scenic segment to their race.
Record Participation Expected for Landmark Edition
The 21st edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon is poised to be its biggest yet. Organizers have confirmed a record-breaking total of 69,100 participants. This figure includes over 65,400 runners competing on the ground in Mumbai and more than 3,700 participants joining virtually from across the globe.
Among the on-ground participants, a substantial number of 14,059 runners are registered to take on the ultimate challenge of the full 42.195 km marathon distance. The introduction of the Coastal Road is expected to add an extra layer of excitement and challenge for these dedicated athletes, making the 2025 edition a landmark event in the marathon's storied history.
