Alwar To Host International Half Marathon On February 8

Running, Conservation Awareness and Inclusive Participation

Alwar in Rajasthan is set to host the Alwar Tiger International Half Marathon on February 8, 2026, positioning the city as a global stage for environmental awareness and sustainable tourism. The event will see participation from runners representing 35 countries, along with nearly 18,000 runners from across India, turning the city’s streets into a collective call for tiger conservation, forest protection and responsible travel.

Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda, known for his advocacy on environmental and wildlife issues, has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the marathon and will be present in Alwar during the event.

Elite runners from Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, Bahrain, Tanzania and Ethiopia are among the international participants, highlighting the marathon’s growing global stature. The event will also see the participation of nearly 400 para-athletes, underlining its inclusive and community-driven character.

Senior government leaders are expected to attend the event, including India’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, State Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma, and senior officials from the tourism and forest departments.

The marathon’s second edition aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India Movement and India’s broader national vision of integrating public health with environmental responsibility.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Bhupender Yadav said the Alwar Tiger Marathon is “not merely a sporting event, but a powerful medium to connect wildlife conservation, environmental awareness and tourism.” He added that such initiatives play a crucial role in reconnecting young people with nature.

Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari described the marathon as a reflection of a development vision where healthy citizens, a secure environment, sustainable growth and responsible tourism reinforce one another.

State Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma noted that the event has emerged as an important public platform that links environmental protection with mass participation.

Brand ambassador Randeep Hooda said it was a matter of pride for him to be associated with the Alwar Tiger Half Marathon. “Environmental conservation has always been close to my heart, and this marathon strengthens that commitment in a meaningful way.” 

The Alwar Tiger International Half Marathon is increasingly being viewed as an initiative to position Alwar as a major hub for eco-tourism, wildlife tourism and sports tourism at both national and international levels. Through the event, the region’s natural and cultural assets, including the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the Aravalli hill range, and Alwar’s rich heritage will gain global visibility.

Officials expect the marathon to provide a boost to the local economy by supporting tourism, hospitality, guide services and allied livelihoods, while reinforcing conservation-led development.

In line with the Fit India vision, the event features multiple race categories, including a 21-kilometre half marathon, 10-kilometre run, 5-kilometre Shakti Run, and a 2-kilometre para run. Participants will include youth, women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, making the marathon a strong example of social inclusion through sport.

As the runners take to Alwar’s roads, the marathon will echo a simple yet powerful message: “When tigers are safe, forests are safe, and when forests are safe, the environment, tourism and the future are secure.”