Tigers, Strides, and Connectivity: Alwar Echoes a Global Message of Conservation, Fitness, and Tourism
Alwar (Rajasthan) : As thousands of runners moved forward together on Sunday morning under the Aravalli hills and the shadow of Sariska, Alwar transformed from a city into a national and international platform for tiger conservation, healthy living, and responsible tourism. With this spirit, the Alwar Tiger International Half Marathon 2026 (ATM–2026) commenced on a grand note, bringing together runners from India and abroad in a shared commitment to nature and the future.
The marathon was flagged off by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, and brand ambassador, actor Randeep Hooda. Robust arrangements for security, traffic control, medical aid, and logistics were visible across the venue and along the entire route.
According to organizers, the 21 km International Half Marathon began at around 6:00 AM, followed by the 10 km Run, 5 km Shakti Run, and 2 km Para Run. All categories were flagged off on schedule. Along the route, 40 cheer points set up every 600 meters by city institutions, trade bodies, and social groups encouraged runners with music, slogans, and applause.
ATM–2026 saw participation from international runners representing eight countries, including Kenya, the Netherlands, and South Africa. The total number of participants exceeded 18,000, comprising youth, women, senior citizens, and nearly 400 specially-abled runners. Notably, in just its second edition, the event has already earned both national and international recognition.
A total prize pool of ₹9,037,500 was announced across categories. The top winner of the International Half Marathon will receive a prize of USD 7,500 (approximately ₹6.78 lakh). The competition was conducted across eight categories.
Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari said the marathon advances a vision where healthy citizens, environmental protection, and sustainable development complement each other. She noted that the event holds great importance from a tourism perspective as well. Expressing gratitude to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, she voiced confidence that in the coming years, the Alwar Tiger Half Marathon will stand alongside prestigious events held in cities like Mumbai and Delhi. She added that Rajasthan Tourism is an integral part of this initiative and that sports tourism will play a key role in shaping the future of tourism in the state.
Organized in Alwar, which is closely linked to the Sariska Tiger Reserve—the nearest tiger habitat to the Delhi-NCR region—the marathon served as a powerful medium for promoting both conservation and tourism. The Aravalli ranges, Sariska forests, historic forts, and lakes were showcased before national and international participants. The event also provided notable benefits to the hotel industry, transport services, local businesses, and tour guides.
Participation from Field Directors of 58 Tiger Reserves
Promoting Fit India and Eco-Tourism
ATM–2026 was widely seen as aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India vision and the national commitment to environmental protection. The event is being regarded as a significant step toward establishing Alwar as a major hub for eco-tourism, wildlife tourism, and sports tourism.
As per the organizers, the message of the Alwar Tiger Marathon was clear and far-reaching: “If tigers are protected, forests will survive; if forests survive, the environment, tourism, and our future will remain secure.”
ATM–2026 demonstrated that when sports, conservation, and tourism move forward with a shared purpose, their impact transcends local boundaries and resonates globally.