Mumbai Marathon 2026 Route Guide: From CSMT To Marine Drive, Sea Link & Back — What Runners Should Know

Mumbai: A Coastal City Marathon Returns

The Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 promises to be one of the most visually striking and physically demanding editions yet, as runners take on a 42.195-kilometre loop that blends heritage districts, newly developed coastal infrastructure, and some of the city’s busiest arterial roads.

Scheduled to begin at 5 am, the full marathon will start from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and conclude at Mumbai Gymkhana on MG Road. The early start ensures cooler conditions, but the course design ensures that endurance, focus and pacing will be tested across multiple zones of the city.

Opening Miles: Navigating South Mumbai’s Historic Core

The marathon begins in the heart of South Mumbai, with runners setting off from CSMT and moving along DN Road, cutting through the iconic Fort area. The early stretch passes landmarks such as the Fountain precinct and colonial-era buildings before heading into Veer Nariman Road.

A sequence of turns through Madam Cama Road, Maharishi Karve Road, and Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Marg creates an initial technical section. These turns allow runners to settle into rhythm while gradually spreading the field before a controlled U-turn near Hutatma Rajguru Chowk, sending participants towards the coastline.

Marine Drive Stretch: Speed Meets Scenery

The transition onto Marine Drive marks one of the most popular segments of the marathon. With wide, flat roads and open sea views, this stretch often encourages runners to increase pace.

Passing through Chowpatty, the route continues towards Babulnath and Kemps Corner Flyover, maintaining momentum before approaching Haji Ali Junction. While visually uplifting, runners are advised to conserve energy here, as tougher terrain lies ahead.

Coastal Road & Sea Link: The Endurance Test

One of the defining features of the 2026 route is the extended run along the Mumbai Coastal Road, offering uninterrupted stretches that demand mental discipline.

The course then climbs onto the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, widely regarded as one of the most challenging portions of the marathon. Exposure to wind, gradual inclines, and the psychological impact of running across the bridge make this a critical section where pacing strategies can determine race outcomes.

After crossing the toll plaza, runners switch carriageways and head back towards Bandra, before turning into Mahim near the iconic Mother and Son statue.

Central Mumbai Loop: Fatigue Sets In

Entering Mahim signals the beginning of the toughest phase for many participants. The route moves along Swatantraveer Savarkar Marg, passing Hinduja Hospital, Shivaji Park, and Siddhivinayak Temple.

The marathon then flows into Dr Annie Besant Road, crossing busy junctions such as Century Bazaar, Sasmira Institute, and Worli Police Station. A U-turn near Worli Dairy forces runners to confront the mental challenge of retracing their steps, often coinciding with rising fatigue levels.

Final Push: Back To South Mumbai

The closing leg brings runners back onto the Coastal Road, heading south once more towards Haji Ali. From here, the route passes through Bhulabhai Desai Road, Pedder Road, and NS Patkar Marg, gradually descending towards Marine Drive for the final time.

The last few kilometres cut through familiar South Mumbai roads before finishing at Mumbai Gymkhana, where cheering crowds and the historic finish line await.

A Route That Reflects A Changing City

The Mumbai Marathon 2026 route is more than a race course—it is a showcase of the city’s evolution. By combining heritage streets, modern coastal infrastructure, and iconic bridges, the route highlights Mumbai’s transformation while demanding resilience from every runner who takes it on.

For participants, success will depend not just on physical fitness, but on smart pacing across scenic stretches and strategic energy management through the Sea Link and central Mumbai loops.