GANGA SUSTAINABILITY RUN 2026
About This Event
The Ganga Sustainability Run 2026 is the 5th edition of a destination running event in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, created to raise awareness about the sustainability of the Ganga ecosystem.
The run takes participants along the Ganga River, surrounding jungle, Himalayan mountains and waterfalls, offering a trail-oriented running experience through the Himalayan landscape.
DATE: Sunday, 1 November 2026
LOCATION: Rishikesh, Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India
EVENT: Ganga Sustainability Run
EDITION: 5th Edition
ORGANIZER: Vivekananda Youth Connect Foundation
ASSOCIATED ORGANIZATION: Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
EVENT TYPE: Destination / Trail Running Event
CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE
50K RUN
Distance: 50 KM
Format: Ultra Run
Registration Fee: Indian: Rs3000, international participant:$100
35K RUN
Distance: 35 KM
Format: Ultra / Trail Run
Registration Fee: Indian: Rs 2499, international participant:$75
21.1K HALF MARATHON
Distance: 21.1 KM
Format: Half Marathon / Trail Run
Registration Fee: Indian: Rs1799 international participant:$60
10K RUN
Distance: 10 KM
Format: Run / Trail Run
Registration Fee: Indian: Rs1199, international participant:$50
RACE EXPERIENCE
The Ganga Sustainability Run is specifically designed around experiencing the Himalayan biodiversity.
The official description highlights running alongside:
• Ganga River
• Jungle
• Himalayan mountains
• Waterfalls
• Natural landscapes
GANGA SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
The event aims to create awareness about the Ganga ecosystem and its sustainability.
According to the organizers, the Ganga has historically sustained millions of people and represents cultural heritage, spirituality, biodiversity and livelihoods. The run is intended to encourage continued public engagement around the long-term sustainability of the river and its ecosystem.
OUR INITIATIVE
The Ganga Sustainability Run is described as the first initiative of the Vivekananda Youth Connect Foundation focused on helping people understand the rich and diverse ecosystem of the Ganga.
The run aims to use the experience of running along the river and through the Himalayan environment to spread awareness about the need to protect the Ganga for future generations.
THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT
The official website describes sustainability as creating a society that does not damage the environment or overuse resources, allowing future generations to inherit a healthy and peaceful planet.
The Ganga Sustainability Run is presented as part of an emerging movement around Ganga ecosystem sustainability.
ROUTE DETAILS
Start Point: Ganga Barrage Dam – 6th Pole (Chilla Haridwar Marg, Pashulok, opposite AIIMS Rishikesh Gate No. 1, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand)
Course Highlights: Runs along the Ganga banks toward Diuli village, finish area near Janki Setu / Parmarth Niketan.
TERRAIN & ENVIRONMENT
Terrain: Himalayan / natural terrain
Landscape: Ganga banks, jungle, mountains and waterfalls
Location: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Participants should expect a substantially different experience from a conventional city-road marathon because the event is designed around the Himalayan natural environment.
BIB & EXPO DETAILS
BIB Collection Date: Yet to be announced
BIB Collection Venue: Yet to be announced
Expo Date: Yet to be announced
Expo Venue: Yet to be announced
Expo Timing: Yet to be announced
PARTICIPANT INCLUSIONS
Race BIB
T-Shirt
Finisher Medal
Goodie Bag
Hydration
Post-race refreshments
Medical support
MEDICAL & COURSE SUPPORT
Participants should therefore wait for the organizer's race instructions before planning their race strategy and mandatory gear.
MANDATORY / RECOMMENDED GEAR
The official website currently does not publish a detailed mandatory-gear list.
For the 35K and 50K Himalayan distances, participants should wait for the organizer's official race briefing regarding:
• Hydration requirements
• Trail-running shoes
• Nutrition
• Weather protection
• Mobile phone
• Emergency equipment
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
The event is intended for participants interested in:
• Trail running
• Ultra running
• Half Marathon running
• Himalayan destination running
• Fitness and outdoor adventure
• Environmental awareness
• Ganga sustainability initiatives
Participants should select their distance according to their running experience and fitness preparation.
ORGANIZER
The event is an initiative of the Vivekananda Youth Connect Foundation.
The official website identifies Dr. Rajesh Sarwadnya, Founder of Vivekananda Youth Connect Foundation, as the organizer.
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION
• Event date: 1 November 2026.
• Location: Rishikesh, Himalayas, India.
• The event is the 5th edition.
• Four distances are available: 10K, 21K, 35K and 50K.
• Dedicated route and elevation information is available for each distance.
• The course passes through natural Himalayan surroundings.
• Participants should prepare for mountain/jungle terrain rather than treating this as a standard flat road race.
• Registration is available through the link provided on the official website.
• Detailed fees, timings, BIB collection, participant kit and medical arrangements are yet to be published in the website's current text.