Cognizant New Delhi Marathon 2027: Date, Categories, Registration & Complete Guide

Cognizant New Delhi Marathon 2027: Event Details at a Glance

The Cognizant New Delhi Marathon 2027 is the 12th edition of India’s national marathon, and it is scheduled for Sunday, 28 February 2027. The race starts and finishes at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the capital. Here is everything you need to know before you plan your race.

Why the New Delhi Marathon Matters

Most people know Delhi’s big October race, the half marathon. But every February, when the winter air is cool, and the city is still asleep, the roads around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium fill up for a different kind of race, the full 42.2 kilometres.

The New Delhi Marathon is not just another city run. It is India’s national marathon, which means the country’s best distance runners come here to race for the title, and thousands of everyday runners line up beside them. Some are chasing a national-level time. Many are chasing a first finisher’s medal. On the same road, at the same hour, you get both stories.

A Short History of the New Delhi Marathon

The race began in 2016 and has been held every year since, including the pandemic years, when smaller live events were organised. Its title sponsor has changed over time. It has run as the AFLI New Delhi Marathon, the IDBI Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon and the Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon, and since 2026 it has carried the Cognizant name. NEB Sports has organised it throughout.

Over the years, the marathon has grown from a promising city race into one of the biggest running events in the country. The 2025 edition drew around 20,000 participants, and the 2026 edition crossed 30,000 runners from 31 countries and 490 cities. That growth is why the 2027 race is one of the most anticipated dates on the Indian running calendar.

Race Categories and Eligibility for 2027

Like the Delhi Half Marathon, this event has a distance for almost everyone:

• Marathon (42.2 km): the headline race and the national championship event. Participants must be 18 or older.
• Half Marathon (21.1 km): a popular choice for runners stepping up from the 10K. The minimum age is 18.
• 10K: a fast, flat run that is open to runners aged 14 and above.
• 5K Fun Run: a relaxed category for beginners, families and first-timers. The official site lists a minimum age of 6, so confirm the rule at registration.

Registration and Entry Fees for the 2027 Marathon

You can register through the “Register Now” buttons for each category on the official New Delhi Marathon website.

At the time of writing, the organisers have not released the 2027 registration details or fees. The date, categories, and age limits above are from the official website. For planning, here is what the 2026 edition charged, and the 2027 numbers may be different.

Two practical notes from past editions. Registration fees have been non-refundable, and a photo ID such as Aadhaar, driving licence, PAN, voter ID or passport has been required during registration. Early bird slots are usually the cheapest, so watch the official website for the opening date.

Race Day Timings: What the 2026 Schedule Looked Like

The 2027 start times have not been published. In 2026, the elite marathon started at 4:00 am and the open marathon at 4:05 am. The half marathon began at 6:15 am, the 10K at 7:45 am and the 5K at 8:30 am. Expect a similar pattern, but always check the official schedule before you book travel.

That very early start is worth planning for. Marathon runners should sort out their transport and bib collection well in advance, since Delhi in February can be cold and dark at that hour.

The Course: What to Expect on the Road

The course starts and finishes at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and follows an out-and-back layout. It is known for being flat, wide and fast, which is a big reason Indian elites chase qualifying times here. The route runs through central Delhi and past some of its best-known landmarks, and the same roads are shared by the marathon, half marathon and 10K.

The organisers also work with Delhi Metro to give runners green and easy access to the venue. The official 2027 course map will be released closer to race day, so use that as your final guide.

Recent Winners: Three Editions That Tell a Story

The last three editions show how quickly Indian marathon running is moving.

2024: Olympian Gopi Thonakal won the men’s race in 2:14:40, just one second ahead of his Army teammate Srinu Bugatha. It was a finish that came down to the last few metres.

2025: Asian marathon champion Man Singh won the men’s race in 2:15:24. In the women’s race, Bhagirathi Bisht, a runner from the hills of Uttarakhand, took the title in 2:48:59.

2026: Mumbai’s Kartik Karkera, a 28-year-old orthopaedic surgeon, won the men’s race in 2:13:10. Gopi Thonakal was just two seconds behind in 2:13:12, and Man Singh finished third in 2:13:15. Nirmaben Thakor won the women’s marathon in 2:41:15. In the half marathon, Kuldip Kumar won the men’s race in 1:08:51 and Genet Shikur Reshid won the women’s race in 1:19:36.

The Asian Games Connection and India’s Marathon Records

The 2026 race was also a qualifying event for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The qualifying mark for men was 2:15:04, and all three men on the podium beat it, which made it one of the deepest Indian men’s marathon races in recent years. The women’s runners could not reach the 2:31:52 mark.

India’s men’s marathon record of 2:12:00 was set by Shivnath Singh in 1978 and stood for close to half a century. According to the list of Indian athletics records, Sawan Barwal lowered it to 2:11:58 at the Rotterdam Marathon on 12 April 2026.

The women’s record in race coverage from 2026 is OP Jaisha’s 2:34:43 from 2015. With performances like those in Delhi, more Indian runners are now getting close to these marks, which adds extra interest to the 2027 race.

Tips for Runners Preparing for the 2027 Race

• Plan a build-up race. A half marathon or 10K in January is a good test of pace and gear. Our upcoming marathon in Delhi NCR calendar lists races such as the India Republic Half Marathon on 17 January 2027.
• Train for the cold and the early start. Practise a few long runs in the dark, and test your kit and food at that hour.
• Pace the first half calmly. A flat course tempts you to go out fast. Settle into your target pace and save energy for the last 10 km.
• Do not try anything new on race day. Wear shoes and clothes you have already used on long runs.
• Register early. Early bird slots and popular categories can fill up quickly once registration opens.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Cognizant New Delhi Marathon 2027?

The 12th edition is scheduled for Sunday, 28 February 2027, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.

What categories are available at the New Delhi Marathon?

There are four categories: the Marathon (42.2 km), the Half Marathon (21.1 km), the 10K, and the 5K Fun Run.

What is the minimum age to run the New Delhi Marathon?

Runners must be 18 for the Marathon and Half Marathon and 14 for the 10K. The official site lists a minimum age of 6 for the 5K Fun Run.

How much is the registration fee for 2027?

The 2027 fees have not been announced yet. In 2026, early bird fees started at ₹550 for the 5K and went up to ₹1,900 for the marathon, plus taxes.

Who won the New Delhi Marathon in 2026?

Kartik Karkera won the men’s marathon in 2:13:10, and Nirmaben Thakor won the women’s marathon in 2:41:15.

Is the New Delhi Marathon the national marathon?

Yes. The Athletics Federation of India recognises it as India’s national marathon.

Where does the race start and finish?

Both the start and the finish are at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

Final Thoughts

The Cognizant New Delhi Marathon 2027 has what a good race needs: a fast and flat course, a strong national field and a crowd of thousands who show up at dawn because they love to run. Whether you are chasing a marathon debut, a personal best, or just a finisher’s medal, 28 February is a date to mark. For the latest race updates, bookmark the official New Delhi Marathon website.