The FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management (FHRAI–IHM), in association with the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI) and the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), will host the first edition of the FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon in Greater Noida on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The event is themed ‘Viksit Hospitality for Viksit Bharat’.
The Mini Marathon aims to celebrate the hospitality sector’s contribution to India’s economic growth while promoting it as a strong and future-ready career pathway for the country’s youth. The event will bring together hospitality students, industry professionals, government representatives, runners, and fitness enthusiasts on a common platform.
India’s tourism and hospitality industry remains one of the largest contributors to the national economy, playing a vital role in GDP growth, foreign exchange earnings, and employment generation. Despite its rapid expansion into Tier III and Tier IV cities over the past few years, the sector continues to face a shortage of trained manpower. This gap between strong growth potential and skill availability highlights the need for increased awareness, stronger industry–academia collaboration, and sustained talent development. The FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon has been conceptualised to address this need by positioning hospitality as a dynamic career option aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The event will feature an opening ceremony with participation from senior government officials and hospitality leaders. Participants and attendees will experience a unique culinary showcase, with chefs presenting signature dishes along the marathon route, as well as an interactive hospitality pavilion highlighting innovations in tourism, food, service excellence, and hospitality careers. Celebrity chefs, sports personalities, and influencers are also expected to participate, enhancing the event’s reach and engagement.
In addition to the run, the morning will include live music performances, fitness workshops, Zumba and Bhangra sessions, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. Sustainability will remain a key focus, with initiatives such as environmentally responsible race kits, reusable hydration stations, and measures to minimise food waste.
The Mini Marathon will feature four participation categories: a 10 km Chip Timing Run, 5 km and 3 km Chip Timing Run/Walk, and a 3 km Student Fun Run/Walk. The event will commence at 6:00 am at the FHRAI–IHM campus, Plot No. 45, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida. The marathon is being curated by Piku Sports and co-organised with Geci.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President, FHRAI, said, “The hospitality sector has the power to transform India’s economic future. As the country moves towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, the industry will play a defining role in job creation and in shaping India’s global image. Through this Mini Marathon, we aim to inspire young people to view hospitality as a meaningful and rewarding career and recognise the impact they can make as future leaders.”
Emphasising experiential learning, Mr. Sagnik Chowdhury, Director (Administration & Finance) and Secretary, NCHMCT, said, “The FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon offers students an opportunity to engage with the hospitality industry beyond classrooms. By bringing institutions, industry professionals, and young aspirants together, the event highlights hospitality as a dynamic and inclusive career aligned with India’s growth journey.”
Envisioned as an annual flagship initiative, the FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon aims to promote health, teamwork, and community spirit while reinforcing the hospitality sector’s role in building a skilled, future-ready workforce for India.