✍️ By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life
Quick answer: Chandigarh Distance Runners (CDR) is a tricity running club started in 2016 by a few friends who wanted more people to take up running. Its big race this season is the Mata Jayanti Hills Marathon on Sunday, 25 October 2026, near New Chandigarh, with a half marathon (₹1,700), a chip-timed 10K (₹1,200) and a 5K fun run (₹800). Registration is on CityWoofer and closes on 18 October. Before that, CDR has a free promo run on Sunday, 27 September, at 5:30 AM from the Shiv Mandir in Jayanti Majri.
Who CDR are
On its old website, CDR said the club was conceptualised in 2016 by a few like-minded friends, to help people lead an active life by making running their preferred way to stay fit. It described itself as a group of runners that goes beyond running, with tea stops, get-togethers and training sessions alongside the runs, and it had grown to more than 500 active members by 2021.
Today the club is most active on Instagram at @cdr_chandigarh, with the tagline “By the runners, for the runners” and the hashtag #RunAnyway. Its feed mixes race promotions with training posts, such as a recent video on running a half marathon in under two hours. CDR also organises an annual relay run; its Facebook page has a video from the fifth edition.
Mata Jayanti Hills Marathon 2026
CDR presents the Mata Jayanti Hills Marathon on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The race is named after the Jayanti Devi Temple, which sits in the Shivalik foothills beside the village of Jayanti Majri in Mohali district, and the poster places it near New Chandigarh.
| Race | Details | Fee (CityWoofer) |
|---|---|---|
| Half marathon | 21.1 km | ₹1,700 |
| 10K | Chip-timed | ₹1,200 |
| 5K fun run | Not timed | ₹800 |
The day starts at 5:30 AM and registration closes at 12 noon on Sunday, 18 October. The listing currently shows a 25% early-bird discount; one CDR poster says the offer runs until 30 September, while an older banner advertised 30%, so go by the price you see at checkout. The listing does not yet give the exact start point, cut-off times or what the race kit includes, so check the registration page or CDR’s Instagram in race week.
Free promo run on 27 September
To build up to race day, CDR has invited runners to a free promo run on Sunday, 27 September 2026, from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM, starting at the Shiv Mandir in Village Jayanti Majri, New Chandigarh. There are 5 km and 10 km routes through the Jayanti hills, and registration is free on CityWoofer. CDR’s poster lists 93160 62600 and 78888 37309 for details.
How to start running with CDR
- Follow the club: CDR posts its runs and race news on Instagram.
- Try an open run first: the promo run is free and has a 5 km option, so it is a good first outing.
- Pick a realistic race: if you have never run 10 km, the 5K fun run on 25 October is the gentler start.
- Ask before you pay: the numbers on CDR’s posters are 93160 62600 and 78888 37309.
Other runs around the tricity
CDR has also been promoting the Sekhon IAF Marathon, which starts in Sector 1 on 4 October. Further out, the Hansali Run at Hansali Sahib in Fatehgarh Sahib district is on 25 November. For the Chandigarh Marathon & Wellness 2026, see its own guide. Each race has its own organiser, so check dates and fees on the race’s own page.
FAQs
What is CDR in Chandigarh?
Chandigarh Distance Runners, a running club started in 2016 by a group of friends in Chandigarh. It posts its runs and races on Instagram at @cdr_chandigarh.
When is the Mata Jayanti Hills Marathon 2026?
Sunday, 25 October 2026, near New Chandigarh in Mohali district, with the day starting at 5:30 AM. Registration closes at 12 noon on Sunday, 18 October.
What are the Mata Jayanti Hills Marathon fees?
The CityWoofer listing shows ₹1,700 for the half marathon, ₹1,200 for the chip-timed 10K and ₹800 for the 5K fun run, before the early-bird discount.
Is the CDR promo run free?
Yes. The promo run on Sunday, 27 September 2026 starts at 5:30 AM from the Shiv Mandir in Jayanti Majri, New Chandigarh, with free registration for 5 km and 10 km.
How do I start running with CDR?
Follow @cdr_chandigarh on Instagram and join one of its open runs, such as the promo run. The numbers on CDR’s posters for questions are 93160 62600 and 78888 37309.
Sources: CDR’s Instagram (@cdr_chandigarh), posts from 18 to 25 September 2026; the official CityWoofer pages for the Mata Jayanti Hills Marathon 2026 and the promo run, which name CDR as organiser; CDR’s own website as archived in 2021, for the club’s history; Google Maps for the Jayanti Devi Temple. Checked on 26 September 2026.
