MRT1’s Chargebee Chennai Runs 2025 Brings Together Over 12,000 Runners for Fitness and a Cause
The city came alive this morning as MRT1’s Chargebee Chennai Runs 2025 brought together thousands of participants to celebrate fitness, community, and compassion. The marathon, one of Chennai’s most anticipated sporting events, continued its mission of transforming lives through education by raising funds to enhance infrastructure in government schools across Tamil Nadu.
The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin, graced the event and flagged off one of the run segments, encouraging participants and extending his support to the initiative. Speaking at the event, he said,
“The Chennai Runs is a commendable example of how sports can inspire collective progress. When people run for a cause, they’re not just promoting fitness, they’re helping build stronger, more empowered communities for the next generation.”
The run concluded with a prize distribution ceremony attended by Padma Bhushan Kamal Haasan, who joined as Chief Guest and felicitated winners across categories. Applauding the city’s spirit of giving back through sport, he said,
“It’s inspiring to witness Chennai come together for a purpose that uplifts society. Education gives every child the power to dream and the confidence to achieve. The Chennai Runs is a reminder that small, collective steps can lead to big, lasting change and that true progress begins when communities move together.”
Continuing its long-standing mission, The Chennai Runs will support the creation of new classrooms, essential furniture, sanitation facilities, and CCTV systems at the MMA Government Higher Secondary School in Pallavaram. MRT1 will also extend its support to another government school identified for urgent infrastructure upgrades, collectively benefitting 400–500 students and ensuring safer, better-equipped learning environments.
A special highlight this year was the Inclusive Run, which celebrated the spirit and determination of participants who showcased that running truly brings the community together beyond barriers.
Mr. Srish Balakrishna, Chairman of MRT1, added,“The Chennai Runs is more than a race, it is a movement that blends fitness, community, and purpose. With Chargebee as our title sponsor, we are able to reach more schools, enhance facilities, and positively impact the lives of hundreds of children. We are deeply grateful to all our donors and partner companies who have come together for this cause. Their continued support enables us to expand our reach and create lasting change. Each edition strengthens our commitment to empowering the next generation through access to quality education.”
Featuring 3km, 5km, 10km, and half marathon (21.1km) categories, The Chargebee Chennai Runs 2025 once again showcased the city’s passion for running with purpose, proving that when Chennai runs, it runs for change.