In a landmark change for one of India's premier sporting events, the iconic Tata Mumbai Marathon will feature the city's new Coastal Road in its official route for the very first time. The 21st edition of the race, scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, is set to witness a historic course alteration alongside a record-breaking participation of 69,100 runners.
A New Chapter on a New Path
This year marks a significant departure from the traditional course followed for over two decades. The newly integrated eight-lane Coastal Road, which was inaugurated in March 2024 to ease traffic on Mumbai's western coastline, will now be a part of the journey for athletes in both the full marathon (42.195 km) and the half marathon categories. This modern expressway, now a vital artery for daily commuters, will add a fresh and scenic dimension to the running experience.
From Hesitation to Collaboration
The inclusion of the Coastal Road comes after initial reluctance from the organisers, Procam International. In the previous edition, they had opted against using the stretch, citing concerns over a potential lack of spectator turnout compared to the classic urban route. However, for the 2026 marathon, a collaborative shift in approach made the change possible.
Following detailed discussions with civic authorities and the Mumbai police, the organisers received assurances regarding comprehensive traffic management and robust safety arrangements along the Coastal Road. This support paved the way for the historic route modification.
Record Numbers and Grateful Acknowledgements
The 21st edition is shattering participation records. The total count of 69,100 participants includes over 65,400 on-ground runners and more than 3,700 in the virtual category. Notably, 14,059 runners have registered for the challenging full marathon distance.
Expressing gratitude for the seamless coordination, Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, stated that the organisers are thankful to the Mumbai Police, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), and the Maharashtra government for their support in incorporating the Coastal Road into the race route.
As a World Athletics Gold Label Race, the Tata Mumbai Marathon continues to solidify its position on the global running calendar. The debut of the Coastal Road promises a unique and memorable edition for elite athletes and amateur enthusiasts alike, showcasing Mumbai's evolving infrastructure on an international stage.
