The 12th annual Chennai Marathon delivers for its 22,000 participants

At 5:15 a.m. on January 6, more than 22,000 runners took their positions at the iconic Napier Bridge in Chennai. 

As the sun rose, City Commissioner of Police Shankar Jiwal waved the green flag, unleashing a sea of determined runners. From seasoned pros to first-timers, the marathoners wound through the heart of Chennai, from scenic Madhya Kailash to lively Olcott School in Besant Nagar.

For many Freshworks employees, the event holds special appeal. 

“I have been an athlete for the last 24 years, and marathons have always given me the adrenaline rush I crave,” said Jayaraman Nagasundaram, a director of sales at Freshworks. 

Girish Mathrubootham, Freshworks founder and CEO, highlighted the marathon's role in prioritizing well-being. 

"Freshworks is proud to be associated with the Chennai Marathon. We want everyone to take up fitness as a daily agenda, and training for a marathon is the best way one can start," he said.

Running with purpose

With total prize money of about $25,000, the 12th annual Freshworks Chennai Marathon included several events: the full marathon (42.2 km), a 20-miler (32.2 km), a half-marathon (21 km), and a 10K run. 

Madhya Pradesh’s Abhishek Soni won the men’s full marathon with a time of 2:34:11, and Sheilah Jepkorir of Kenya took first prize in the women’s race with a time of 2:59:58.

Related: How Freshworks volunteers helped colleagues and their families after Cyclone Michaung, weeks before the marathon 

The event was special in other ways. Partnering with sustainability leader Urbaser, Freshworks hosted the Chennai Marathon as a zero-waste event. Another feature of the event was first-responder training for all organizers, volunteers, and pacers. The Chennai Metro Rail offered free round trips to help participants reach the starting line. This year’s event also promoted diabetes awareness and raised funds for insulin expenses for those in need. 

Diversity was another defining characteristic of the race. Over 35% of participants were women, followed by a mix of visually impaired runners, blade runners, and racers in wheelchairs.

“When it comes to running a marathon, it’s 60% about physical fitness,” said Keshav Ramanathan, market research executive at Freshworks. “The remaining 40 is about mental strength.”

More than a race, the Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2024 felt like a rhythmic dance by thousands, stamping their celebration of health. As Vijayaraghavan P, senior director of global workplace operations and people experience at Freshworks, put it after finishing the 10K: 

“Thank you, Freshworks kudumba!”

For those who want to relive the excitement, visit thechennaimarathon.com. If you’re interested in joining our kudumba culture that prioritizes well-being beyond the office, consider joining Freshworks.