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Freshworks Chennai Full Marathon 2025: A Race That Rebuilt My Confidence


The Freshworks Chennai Full Marathon on January 5th, 2025, with bib number 42495, was more than just another race for me—it was a pivotal moment in my running journey, restoring my confidence after a tough outing in Kolkata and preparing me for my first 50km Tata Ultra.

Bouncing Back from Kolkata

Leading up to Chennai, my last major race was a 25km event in Kolkata. At the 20km mark, I developed a niggle that turned into pain, forcing me to walk most of the final stretch. That experience left me questioning whether I could hold up beyond 20km—an essential benchmark for marathon and ultra training.

Arriving in Chennai: Simple, Focused Preparation

I arrived in Chennai from Bangalore the day before the marathon, checked into my hotel, and collected my bib. I kept my pre-race routine simple: light food, early bedtime, and a kit packed with dates and electrolytes. The start line was just 1.5km from my stay, so I jogged over as a warm-up, feeling the early morning energy of the city.

Race Morning: Early Start, Familiar Faces

The marathon started at 4am, mirroring the early start of my upcoming Tata Ultra. To my delight, I bumped into friends running the 32km "20 Miler"—we all set off together, adding a sense of camaraderie to the challenge ahead. With no grand plan except to show up and finish strong, I settled into a steady, comfortable pace, enjoying the cool morning and the buzz of over 25,000 runners.

On the Course: Testing Body and Mind

My main goal was to see if I could run well after 20km, given my recent struggles. The support from runner-volunteers was fantastic; one suggested I take lemon directly to avoid cramps, and it worked—I ran cramp-free for the entire distance.

As the kilometers ticked by, I felt increasingly strong, especially after crossing the 20km mark. There were no signs of the pain that had plagued me in Kolkata. The crowd support, the energy of the runners, and the well-organized event (flagged off at Napier Bridge by Chennai Runners and local dignitaries) made the experience memorable35.

Finishing Strong: Confidence Restored

Crossing the finish line, I was surprised by how good I felt—I didn’t even feel the need for breakfast immediately after. I hopped on the bus back to my hotel, took a quick nap, and realized I was ready to head back to Bangalore that same day.

Why This Race Mattered

This marathon was a crucial confidence-builder. It proved to me that I could handle long distances again, even after a setback. The early start was perfect practice for my Tata Ultra, and the positive experience erased the doubts left by Kolkata.

Key Takeaways

  • Consistency pays off: Simple, steady preparation works.

  • Community matters: Running with friends and the support of volunteers made a huge difference.

  • Listen to advice: The lemon trick kept cramps at bay.

  • Trust your training: Even after a bad race, showing up and giving your best can lead to a breakthrough.

The Freshworks Chennai Full Marathon 2025 will always be special to me—a race that not only tested my limits but also restored my belief in what I could achieve next.



















    Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

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