In the hills of Munnar at the heart of Idukki District, Kerala, for a celebration of health, endurance and sustainability. The Munnar marathon was held on 24 and 25 January 2026 and was organised by Kestral Adventures and Holidays Pvt. Ltd. Munnar has premiered as one of the top destinations on India’s sports tourism map by promoting a healthy lifestyle among participants and local communities. With the tea plantations as a backdrop, mist-covered valleys and nature surrounding the marathon, the experience was unique. The event also stood out for its responsible event management, with the belief that sporting excellence and environmental protection can go hand in hand.

The marathon's broader vision is to inspire healthy living with long-term impact. Runners from various cities have gathered to motivate young participants for an active lifestyle and explore opportunities in sports and wellness. The event welcomed seasoned athletes for a physical challenge and scenic immersion. Participants have competed in different race formats like demanding ultra-distance runs, full marathon, half marathon and shorter distance runs, each category has tested the endurance of participants by ensuring safety and fairness. Efficient registration management was handled by iFinish, with secure data handling. The platform provided a streamlined, user-friendly registration process for participants and an easy-to-use dashboard for organisers.

With the participant onboarding and by reducing the logistical complexities. iFinish had played a crucial role in making the event a success and a good experience for both runners and organisers. The platform’s reliability ensured that runners could focus on preparation and performance, confident that their participation details were managed professionally. The Munnar Marathon was conducted with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. From route planning to awareness-driven messaging, the event set an example for responsible sport
tourism.

The marathon also helped boost local engagement and tourism in Munnar. Locals of Munnar have supported the event, volunteering, cheering runners and creating a vibrant atmosphere along the course. Medical partners, local businesses and service partners played a role in the event's success. With Munnar’s unique landscape and cultural warmth, the marathon has made a mark on the city's tourism. This achievement marks a promising step toward making Munnar a recurring fixture in the national and international running calendar.

As participants crossed the finish line with excitement and enthusiasm, the Munnar Marathon stood out as a celebration of human endurance and community spirit. The event showcased that marathons are not for races but a powerful platform for education, inspiration and transformation. The event was organised by visionary Kestrel Adventures, registrations by iFinish, as the 2026 edition set a benchmark for the future editions. The event blended athletic challenge with nature, leaving a lasting impression on participants.

The success of the Munnar Marathon and Ultra Challenge 2026 bodes well for the future of sports. As the event continues to grow, it is important to balance attracting a wider global audience, inspiring local youth and strengthening the message of health, education and sustainability.

With strong foundations in place and continued collaboration between organisers, partners and the community, the Munnar Marathon is well on its way to becoming a landmark event that celebrates not just running, but a way of life rooted in balance, resilience and respect for nature.