For the very first time, an international marathon – the Ganga Sustainability Run – will take place in India for runners from across South-central Asia and around the world to come together for wellness and fitness – AND, to promote awareness of both the existing beauty and the future sustainability needs of India’s National River, the sacred Ganges!

Sponsored by the Vivekananda Youth Connect Foundation – with the blessings of HH Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Co-organised by Ganga Action Parivar, and supported by Parmarth Niketan in association with the Uttarakhand Athletics Association – this inaugural event will feature four experiential levels – a 10K, 21.1K, 35K and 50K – for every level of training and fitness, and there will be walk events scheduled to coincide with the runs, all of which will culminate in a refreshing and rejuvenating dip in Sacred Maa Ganga.

The race route will take participants along Mother Ganga and through the majestic Himalayan Mountains, passing through the jungle and past beautiful waterfalls to give runners the unforgettable Himalayan experience that Rishikesh is renowned for. Rishikesh – the Yoga Capital of the World – offers world-class adventure sports activities, and is the spiritual heart and home of India. There will be prizes for all level winners, and Free Accommodation will be provided for the first 500 Registered Runners.

This event is historic! The first destination marathon in India’s amazing 75-year history; the first along the holy banks of Mother Ganga; and, the first to focus on one of the world’s most-famous – and, most-endangered – bodies of water: Ganga! And, you can be a part of history!