FAQs
What are the Helpdesk contact details?
Email: info.chennai@bharatmidnightmarathon.run Ph.: +91 99629 91453.
What is the full form of BMM? Has it been rebranded?
BMM was the acronym for Bengaluru Midnight Marathon until the 18th Edition in 2025. Henceforth, from the 19th. Edition in 2026 in Bengaluru and multiple cities in India, BMM will stand for Bharat Midnight Marathon and the Chennai Edition will be known as Bharat Midnight Marathon @Chennai 2026.. For all practical purposes in this document, BMM will refer to Bharat Midnight Marathon only
When was BMM conceived and why?
Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor created history by organizing the World’s 1st. Midnight Marathon run at night, on May 19, 2007. It was held in Whitefield IT Corridor, in line with the spirit of the event. This first of its kind event attracts close to 12,000+ participants and is widely reported in India and abroad. After eighteen successful years, the 1st. edition of BMM @Chennai is scheduled at Island Ground, Chennai on 10th. October 2026.
Midnight Marathon – A tribute to our youth: It is to show that Bangalore cares & appreciates their hard work.
How are the proceeds from BMM utilised?
100% of the proceeds support social causes, making every step you take, count for a better future for the under privileged.
How is BMM different from all the other Marathons and Races in the country?
BMM is not just a Race. Its an experience. BMM is Asia’s only Midnight Marathon and it is acknowledged and marked in the official ‘International Marathon Calendar’. BMM is one of the few races in India to be a member of Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS-IAAF). AIMS is a member-based organization of more than 469 of the world’s leading distance races, from over 122 countries & territories and they work with IAAF on all matters relating to international races. The IAAF acts as a world governing authority for a competition programme, for standardised technical equipment and for a list of official world records. The AIMS- IAAF certification has put BMM on the world map for internationally recognized Marathons.
Which edition of BMM is this and when is it scheduled?
The 1st. edition of the BMM @Chennai is scheduled on 10th. October 2026 at Gate 6, Island Ground, Chennai.
Where is the event going to be conducted?
The venue for this edition of BMM @Chennai is Gate 6, Island Ground, Chennai, Greater Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Who organises and conducts the Bharat Midnight Marathon @Bengaluru?
BMM @Chennai will be managed and conducted by RI District 3234, a member of Rotary International, with support from all our Partners and under the ownership of Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor (RBITC), Bangalore.
What is the main objective of Bharat Midnight Marathon (BMM)?
Besides fostering the spirit of Running and good health, the BMM is the main fundraising event of Rotary. Funds raised from the Marathon are used to support various social causes, through the year.
How many people participate?
Over the last few years we have averaged about 12,000 + participants at Bangalore. Approx. 30% are women participants, coming in from 17 states in India and 21 countries. We believe Chennai will witness huge enthusiasm and braek all records.
Key Races - What is the Start times and cut off times for the Races on Race Day?
Start Time Cut off Time
3K Fun Run (non-timed) 05:30 pm 06:25 pm
5K Fun Run (non-timed) 06:30 pm 08:00 pm
Fast 5K Run (timed) 06:40 pm 08:10 pm
10K Run (timed) 08:30 pm 10:45 pm
Half Marathon (21.097K timed) 11:00 pm 05:00 am (6th. Dec. ’26)
Marathon (42.195K timed) 11.25 pm 03:30 am (6th. Dec. ’26)
Are Registrations open? What is the last date of registration?
Yes. Please register at www.bharatmidnightmarathon.run/chennai Last date of Registrations 3K and 5K Fun Runs (non-timed) – Monday, 5th. October, 2026: 11:59 pm.
- For all other timed races – Wednesday, 30th. Sept. 2026: 11:59 pm.
However, once Route capacity is reached, management reserves the right to close registration before the due dates.
What are the Registration fees for Individual runs at BMM @Chennai 2026?
Race Event | Registration Fee – Rs. /participant (including 18% GST) |
3K Fun Run (Non-Timed) | 1,062.00 |
5K Fun Run (Non-Timed) | 1,416.00 |
Fast 5K Run (Timed) | 1,652.00 |
10K Run (Timed) | 1,947.00 |
Half Marathon (21.097K Timed) | 2,183.00 |
Marathon (42.195K Timed) | 2,301.00 |
Can I register on the day of the event?
No. Requests for registration will not be entertained after closure of registrations.
Can I participate in multiple race categories?
No. An individual can apply for one race category only. Multiple applications will entail all being rejected.
Is there a minimum/maximum age for participants?
Yes. The minimum age as on 10th. October. 2026 should be,
Race Event | Minimum age eligibility as on Dec. 5, 2026 |
| 3K Fun Run (Non-Timed) | 8 yrs. & above |
5K Fun Run (Non-Timed) | 12 yrs. & above |
Fast 5K Run (Timed) | 12 yrs. & above |
10K Run (Timed) | 14 yrs. & above |
Half Marathon (Timed) | 18 yrs. & above |
Marathon (Timed) | 18 yrs. & above |
There is no upper age limit for any category. However, we strongly recommend you take professional medical advice before participating.
There was a problem during registration. I have been charged but I did not receive a confirmation. What should I do?
Send an email with all details to info.chennai@bharatmidnightmarathon.run
Will I be eligible for a refund, in case I didn’t pick up my confirmed bib from the Expo?
No. Entry fees paid are non-refundable.
Once I have applied, can I cancel my application and get a refund?
Once an entry is received, no requests for cancellation and further refund of application fees will be entertained, under any circumstances.
Can I change my Race category once I have registered?
Once you have applied for a particular Race category / Race format, you cannot change your Race category / Race format.
Can I transfer my bib to somebody else or somebody else can run on my bib?
No. Race day images of participants will be screened visually after the race and if any of the participant is found not wearing the running number bib allotted to him/her, Rotary reserves the right to disqualify the registered participant from this edition and the subsequent edition. Further, Rotary reserves the right to take necessary legal action against the registered participant and the person who has used the running number bib on race day, for impersonation.
Can I register manually (offline)?
Yes. Please check on our website www.bharatmidnightmarathon.run or send us a mail at info.chennai@bharatmidnightmarathon.run
How can an overseas applicant register for an event?
An overseas applicant can apply only through online registration – www.bharatmidnightmarathon.run
Is there any Early bird offer or group discount for participants?
There is an early bird offer of 15% discount on Registration Fees. This is valid till 11:59 pm on September 6, 2026 only.
Please mail info.chennai@bharatmidnightmarathon.run or Call Helpline +91 99629 91453
(www.bharatmidnightmarathon.run/chennai) for group discounts above 30 participants.
Which payment mode will be accepted for online registration?
An online applicant can pay ONLY via credit card, net banking, debit card, UPI and payment wallets.
Will I get a Timing Certificate and medal for participating at BMM @Chennai 2026?
Yes, all finishers of the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Run and Fast 5K Run (Timed) categories only will get the finisher medal post their run on Race Day. Please collect your medal before leaving the event venue; medals will not be posted to individual finishers if they fail to collect it on Race Day.
While provisional results will be available by 10am on Monday, 12Th. October, 2026, Timing certificates of finishers will be available for download from https://www.bharatmidnightmarathon.run/chennai , post 15 working days from Race Day.
3K and 5K Fun Runs are a participative fun run and being a non-timed category, will not be issued Timing Certificate or a finisher medal. However, they will receive a physical participation certificate, immediately after the completion of the event on Race Day.
Are T-shirts provided for all race categories?
Yes. For all paid registrations only. Please provide your correct size, while registering.
When is the BIB and Timing chip Distribution - Expo?
Can you post me my Running Number Bib?
No. All participants must come to the Expo to collect their running number Bib, timing chip.
How will my entry acceptance be intimated to me?
A confirmation email will be sent to the email id provided by you. Please ensure you enter the correct email id while registering.
What will I get in my Racer kit?
3K and 5K Fun Run (non-timed):
T-shirt + Bib + Certificate (immediately after Race at venue) + Food coupons
Fast 5K Run (timed)/10K Run/Half Marathon/Marathon:
T-shirt + Bib + Timing chip + Finisher Medal + Food coupons + eCertificate (20th. Oct. 2026 onwards)
Will the timing chip be provided? Is the race route certified and approved?
Yes, for the timed runs. The route is measured and certified by AIMS, hence your timing will be recognised for qualification at all major Races across the world.
What are the categories, awards and prizes at BMM 2026?
Overall Open Winners and India Winners
Position | Marathon |
| Half Marathon | 10K Run |
Men/Women (Rs.) |
| Men/Women (Rs.) | Men/Women (Rs.) | |
1st. | 75,000.00 |
| 50,000.00 | 30,000.00 |
2nd. | 50,000.00 |
| 30,000.00 | 20,000.00 |
3rd. | 30,000.00 |
| 20,000.00 | 10,000.00 |
Position | Fast 5K Run (timed) | 3K and 5K Fun Run (non-timed) |
Men/Women (Cash/Gift Voucher Re. equivalent) | Men/Women (Gift Voucher Re. equivalent) | |
1st. | 20,000.00 | 10,000.00 |
2nd. | 15,000.00 | 7,000.00 |
3rd. | 10,000.00 | 5,000.00 |
| ||
Please Note:
All cash prizes are subject to TDS deduction, as per the current law. Indian cash prize winners will need to provide copies of their PAN cards.
All cash prizes will be sent to the winners by October 28, 2026, after due verification process, and receipt of proper age proof.
Cash prizes for Overall Open and India winners will be given to those who complete their respective race under the ideal completion time, only.
Race Event | Ideal Completion Time (Men) | Ideal Completion Time (Women) |
Fast 5K Run (Timed) | 35 minutes (00:35:00) | 40 minutes (00:40:00) |
10K Run | 70 minutes (01:10:00) | 80 minutes (01:20:00) |
Half Marathon | 120 minutes (02:00:00) | 135 minutes (02:15:00) |
| ||
Marathon | 240 minutes (04:00:00) | 270 minutes (04:30:00) |
Cash prize winners will be awarded and paid, for only 1 category, whichever is higher. Eg. If an Indian wins second prize overall and first in India category, he/she will only be entitled to receive one cash prize. In this case 1st in India category as its higher cash prize.
Finisher Medal – will be given to all Runners who complete their respective Race in the Timed Runs only.
Will there be a baggage counter?
Yes, it is right near the Start/Finish line.
What will be the route map?
Route map will be updated on the website www.bharatmidnightmarathon.run/chennai
Number of water, hydration and fruit stations available on route and at what distance?
Every 1.2 km. i.e. on the Race route/loop including at the Start/Finish line.
Number of Medical Stations available?
There will be 2 large medical tents with over 20 beds each, attended by over 35 doctors and paramedics. There will also be 4 Ambulances on the route and stationed at appropriate points.
Number of Mobile Toilets available?
Yes. Over 60 ladies and gents’ toilets stationed all over the venue.
Will there be any signage board or volunteers available for direction?
Yes. In addition, there will be a well-lit Helpdesk stationed at the center of the venue. Volunteers will be wearing distinct T shirts/jackets
Will Refreshments and breakfast be available?
Yes. There will be a multi-cuisine Food Zone area at the venue. Refreshments and breakfast will be available through the night and certain key stalls including chai will be open till the end of the races.
What are some of the focus areas and causes supported by Rotary?
Funds raised from BMM @Chennai 2026 will also be used to spearhead social causes and projects concerned with Health, Education, Infrastructure, social welfare and rural enlistment projects with a strong focus on Child and Women Safety.
Rotary stands for transformational impact on underprivileged and unfortunate and their generations through innovative solutions that are self-sustainable and replicable using our collective resources.
Education:
Bringing meaningful & transformational changes in the lives of gen next coming from financially challenged household.
Rotary has adopted several Government Primary & Higher Primary Schools in Chennai.
Health:
EPIC – Epilepsy Prevention and Integrated Program is one-of-its-kind initiative to identify, treat and provide post-surgery care of patients suffering from epilepsy.
Several initiatives – medical camps, breast cancer detection, neurosurgery, eye care initiatives.
Other programs include provision of clean drinking water, sanitization, building toilets, women empowerment, and Environmental initiatives.