GANGA SUSTAINABILITY RUN 2026

EVENT OVERVIEW

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

Dedicated route information is available for all four distances:

50K: Google Earth route available
35K: Google Earth route available
21K: Google Earth route available
10K: Google Earth route available

The official website also provides elevation profiles for:

• 50K
• 35K
• 21K
• 10K

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

Detailed 2026 medical facilities, aid-station locations, hydration points, ambulances and emergency-response arrangements are yet to be announced on the official website.

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.