Qualification
Standards compared
Each race decides who gets an entry. Three of the four want a qualifying timing certificate; one does not. Here they are side by side — open a race for its full detail.
Entry requirement by race
| Race | Certificate needed? | Standard to clear | Certificate valid from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Half Marathon | Yes | Half Marathon 3:30:00 or faster | 1 Oct 2024 |
| Kolkata 25K | Yes — except limited charity places | Marathon 7:00 · 25K 4:11 · HM 3:30 · 10K 1:22 | 1 Dec 2024 |
| Mumbai Marathon | Mandatory — entry is only against a certificate | Marathon under 7:00 · 25K under 3:18 M / 3:35 W · HM under 2:45 M / 3:00 W | 17 Jul 2025 |
| Bengaluru Open 10K | No — open entry | None. A certificate only sets your start wave. | — |
Mumbai's standards are the only ones that differ by gender, and it excludes virtual events and trail runs. Compiled August 2026 and not authenticated.
The criteria
How places are allocated
Beyond the general timed-runner route, each race holds back places under reserved criteria. The timing standard is usually the same — the reservation is about who you are.
Timed runner
The main route. Submit a timing certificate meeting that race's standard, from an event inside its validity window.
Women's criteria
Limited places reserved for women applicants, on the same timing standard, allocated first come first served.
Good for Youth
Reserved places for applicants aged 18–21 as of the race's stated cut-off date, on the same timing standard.
Good for Silver
Reserved places for applicants aged 65 and over as of the race's stated cut-off date, on the same timing standard.
Charity & fundraising
Kolkata runs charity places through Impact360; Mumbai's route is United Way Mumbai. These are the main ways in without a certificate.
Other routes
Mumbai also lists outstation and overseas runners, Procam event qualifiers, persons with disability and concierge packages.
Proof
What a timing certificate must show
- Your net (chip) time, not gun time.
- A course measured by an AIMS or World Athletics accredited measurer.
- RFID timing with the minimum number of split mats — at least two for a half marathon.
- An event date inside that race's validity window (they differ — see the table above).
- An accepted distance. Kolkata takes 10K upwards; Mumbai takes only Marathon, 25K and Half Marathon.
Applications are typically processed within 10 working days. Your place is not confirmed until the certificate is verified, so apply early rather than close to the deadline.