Chennai Runs for a Greener Tomorrow at SBI Green Marathon Season 6

Chennai, 1^st March 2026:

After igniting green movements across cities including Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Thiruvananthapuram, the SBI Green Marathon Season 6 arrived in Tamil Nadu’s vibrant capital — Chennai. As dawn broke over the Bay of Bengal, Uthandi on the iconic East Coast Road (ECR)transformed into a dynamic arena of fitness, purpose, and sustainability.

Set against the scenic coastal stretch of ECR, with refreshing sea breezes, expansive roads, and golden morning light, the Chennai edition perfectly echoed the marathon’s philosophy — “Run for a Greener India.” Known for its strong running culture, disciplined fitness communities, and growing environmental awareness, Chennai stood as a natural host for this nationwide green movement.

Over 4,000+ enthusiastic participants — including seasoned runners, students, families, corporate teams, fitness groups, and defence personnel — came together not just to test their endurance, but to collectively champion environmental responsibility and healthier living. 

The marathon was ceremoniously flagged off by esteemed dignitaries from the State Bank of India, Shri Vivekanand Choubey – Chief General Manager, Shri M V R Murali Krishna – General Manager Network 1, Shri Joby Jose – General Manager Network 2, Smt S Haritha Poornima – General Manager Network 3, Shri Srinivasa Rao Vallamchitti– General Manager CAG Chennai, Shri Srinivasa Rao Jonnalagaddda – General Manager CCGRO Chennai reaffirming the Bank’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, inclusive growth, and nation-building through impactful initiatives that inspire positive change.

Each stride reflected Chennai’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and community well-being.

The 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon categories featured AIMS-certified routes, ensuring international-standard course accuracy, safety, and a seamless professional racing experience. The smooth ECR stretch, complemented by scenic coastal views and cool sea winds, made the run both challenging and memorable.

With every kilometre conquered along Chennai’s coastline, the city reaffirmed its role in promoting environmental consciousness, collective action, and holistic well-being. From the early morning flag-off to the eco-friendly post-run celebrations, Chennai proudly added another milestone to the marathon’s inspiring 17-city journey.

As SBI Green Marathon Season 6 continues its green run across the country, Chennai stands strong — reminding us that when a city runs together with purpose, every step brings India closer to a healthier, greener tomorrow.

Staying true to its eco-first ethos, the SBI Green Marathon delivered a thoughtfully designed and environmentally conscious race experience:

• Organic T-shirts, plantable BIBs, and reusable cloth goodie bags encouraged sustainable choices and reduced single-use waste.

• Black alkaline water supported hydration, endurance, and post-run recovery for runners across categories.

• Dedicated waste management practices ensured responsible segregation and disposal, reinforcing the marathon’s green promise.

Adding vibrancy and infectious energy to the morning were Radio Mirchi RJ Maddy and RJ Jithin, whose dynamic stage presence, engaging banter, and high-energy motivation kept runners inspired and spectators entertained throughout the event.