On the first Sunday of November, while most of Chandigarh is still asleep, the lawns and roads around the Chandigarh Club will fill with runners in matching organic T-shirts. SBI Green Marathon Season 7 is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November, with a 5:00 AM start at the Chandigarh Club. It is one of the city’s biggest fitness mornings of the year, and it asks runners to think about the planet as well as their pace. district
Where the idea came from
The marathon is built around a simple belief: sustainability should be a lifestyle, not a slogan. It was conceived by two brands, the country’s largest bank and its biggest radio station, who wanted to spread the #gogreen message in a format that is effective and entertaining. district
The series is not new. SBI announced it in January 2017 as a six-city event that began in Mumbai and ended in Chandigarh on 4 March, with seeds embedded in the runners’ bibs so they could be planted after the race. It has since grown into a nationwide circuit. The second season alone was planned across 15 cities, with 5K, 10K and 21K categories. Season 7 is the latest chapter. sbiorissapost
Chandigarh’s own track record
The city has been a regular and enthusiastic host. The Chandigarh Club was the venue for the fifth edition on 8 December 2024, when more than 3,000 residents ran in winter athleisure, with Mirchi’s RJ Abby and RJ Omika hosting. Turnout then grew. Season 6 drew nearly 4,000 runners from across the country, and Army personnel, wheelchair runners and specially-abled children took part, which reinforced the message of inclusivity. If that trend holds, Season 7 could be the biggest Chandigarh edition yet. indiacsrtribuneindia
What makes it “green”
Many events call themselves eco-friendly. This one builds the idea into the race kit, and Season 7 follows the same formula:
- Organic T-shirt. Every runner gets a free organic T-shirt. district
- Plantable BIB. Runners in the 5K get a plantable BIB. The race number goes into soil after the run and can grow into a plant, which suits a city that prides itself on its greenery. district
- Low-waste touches. At the Season 6 Kolkata edition, organic T-shirts, plantable bibs and reusable cloth goodie bags were used to encourage low-waste habits. scour
These details matter because a mass event usually produces a lot of plastic, paper and packaging. A marathon built around reuse and planting shows that large public events can leave a smaller footprint.
Who it’s for
The 5K is the most approachable category, and beginners, families and casual walkers tend to choose it. Entry is open to anyone aged 5 and above, and tickets start at ₹826. Earlier seasons also offered 10K and 21K runs, so more experienced runners have a proper challenge. Check the registration page for Season 7’s exact categories and age brackets before you sign up. district
Even if you’ve never run a race, the event suits first-timers. The atmosphere is closer to a community morning out than a competition. There is music, a live host, and people of every age and fitness level, from serious club runners to colleagues running together for fun.
Practical tips for race morning
The listing mentions a few logistics worth planning around:
- Parking and food. The listing says parking and food and drinks are not available at the event, and that outside food and alcohol are restricted. Eat a light breakfast before you leave, carry what you need, and consider carpooling or a cab. district
- No seating. It is an outdoor, standing-only venue. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a layer, since early November mornings in Chandigarh are cool before the sun is up. district
- Pets. Pets are not allowed. district
- Accessibility. The listing states there is no wheelchair accessibility at the venue. If you need access support, ask the organisers before race day. district
An early start also means you should sleep well the night before, keep hydrated through the week, and avoid trying new shoes or gear on the day.
Why it matters beyond the finish line
Most people have a pace goal or a medal in mind. The green angle is a quieter reason to be there. Running outdoors, in a city known for its clean roads and tree-lined sectors, makes the connection between health and environment easy to see. Choosing to run for a healthier planet also gives people a reason to stay active after the event.
For SBI and its media partner, the marathon is also a way to reach people where they live. For participants, it offers a chance to meet neighbours, support a cause and start a Sunday with more energy than usual.
