The event is divided into four categories – half marathon (21.09km), City Run (7km), Veterans Run and Wheelchair Run.
Union Sports Minister M S Gill would be the chief guest and state ministers would also participate in the post-event programme.
Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, who is associated with Tamil Maiyam, which is jointly organising the event with realty major MARG, told reporters that a prize money of Rs 10 lakh await winners in both men's and women's section in the half-marathon.
"A total of Rs 70 lakh is the prize money covering all the events and professional national athletes will be participating in the competitive event," she said adding that a total of about 25,000 runners had registered in different categories.
The marathon was organised with the aim of creating awareness of underprivileged children and the need to attract sponsors for their education.
Celebrities including film stars, sportspersons, corporate executives will be running the marathon. Starting near the War Memorial here, the race will conclude at the Gandhi Statue at the Marina Beach.