Course Map
About this Race
The Pune International Marathon is one of India's older and most established marathons, run at a moderate elevation of around 560 metres through the western city on gently undulating terrain. The mild altitude and rolling profile shape the day, though the full marathon's defining feature is its genuinely pre-dawn 3 AM flag-off, timed to beat the day's warmth before India's December heat builds. The cityscape and running heritage define the day beyond the early start. It suits runners who want an accessible, tradition-rich Indian race and don't mind an extremely early gun and the gentle rolling terrain over a flat-out fast time.
Course Insight
Pune runs at modest elevation over some rolling terrain, a December marathon that starts in pitch darkness at 3 AM to beat the day's warmth, easing the usual Indian heat before it builds. Adjust your pace slightly for the thinner air and run the rises by feel. The pre-dawn cool favours racing, though the extremely early start demands its own preparation the night before. The terrain is honest rather than brutal. Pace conservatively and the course stays manageable to the line.
Difficulty Breakdown
A balanced marathon with no single defining challenge.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 102m
- Elevation loss
- 103m
- Highest point
- 587m
- Lowest point
- 561m
- Net elevation
- -1m
- Start
- Starts and finishes at Baburao Sanas Sports Ground, Pune.
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Race History
The Pune International Marathon was first held in 1983, one of India's older and most established marathons, run at a moderate elevation of around 560 metres through the western city. Its mild altitude and gently undulating profile gave it character. From its founding it built a deep running heritage. Held each December, it draws a field to the historic city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Pune (PNQ), Mumbai (BOM)
- Best area to stay
- Koregaon Park for trendy, leafy stays near the route, the city centre for full hotels, and Kalyani Nagar for quieter, value options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is near the centre; take a taxi to the start early.