Ahmedabad Marathon Gets Harsh Sanghavi’s Support for 2026
Harsh Sanghavi Backs 10th Adani Ahmedabad Marathon Ahead of November 29 Race
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi has extended his support to the 10th Adani Ahmedabad Marathon, which is scheduled to take place on November 29.
Sanghavi received the official jersey for the 10th edition from Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, during a meeting in Ahmedabad. The marathon will again be held under the #Run4OurSoldiers campaign, which has been linked to the event since its early editions and focuses on participation alongside members of India’s Armed Forces.
The 2026 race will come at a time when Ahmedabad is preparing for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. India was formally awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Games in November 2025, with Ahmedabad named as the host city.
For the city’s running community, the marathon has become one of its established annual road races. The event began in November 2017 and has since included full marathon, half marathon, 10 km and 5 km categories. Organisers say the first two editions attracted nearly 20,000 participants, while the third and fourth editions drew more than 17,000 each.
The marathon also became part of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) calendar. AIMS currently lists the 2026 race for November 29 and records previous editions dating back to 2021.
Sanghavi said, “The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon completing its landmark 10th edition is a proud moment for Ahmedabad and reflects how sport can bring people together around a larger purpose. For a decade, the marathon has carried the spirit of #Run4OurSoldiers, allowing thousands of citizens to run in honour of the courage, service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. From the historic battles of 1947 to the decisive resolve of Operation Sindoor, our soldiers have continuously stood as the unbreakable shield of our nation. It is heartening to see Armed Forces personnel themselves be part of this journey and to see the city come together year after year in their honour.”
“As Ahmedabad gears up for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and strengthens its position on the global sporting map, such initiatives play an important role in building a strong culture of fitness, participation and community around sport. I congratulate Adani Sportsline on completing this significant milestone and for actively contributing to Ahmedabad’s growing sporting ecosystem. The 10th edition jersey is a fitting symbol of this decade-long journey and the spirit that continues to bring the city together,” he added.
The event’s association with the Armed Forces has grown alongside its participation numbers. In 2023, organisers reported more than 22,500 participants under the #Run4OurSoldiers campaign. The figure crossed 20,000 again in 2024. At the ninth edition in November 2025, more than 24,000 runners took part, according to event and media reports.
The 2025 edition also included more than 4,000 military personnel and police officers, according to reports on the event. Participants ran across four categories, with the course taking in prominent Ahmedabad locations including the Sabarmati Riverfront, Atal Bridge, Gandhi Ashram and Ellis Bridge.
The marathon has also had to adapt to changing conditions. During the Covid-19 period, the 2021 edition used time-slot arrangements that allowed more than 8,000 runners to participate over two days while following pandemic rules. The 2022 edition was later included in the ‘Global Marathon Event List – AIMS World Running’, which organisers described as a first for an Ahmedabad run.
The #Run4OurSoldiers campaign remains central to the event. Organisers say a major portion of the proceeds goes towards the welfare of the Armed Forces. The campaign also gives defence personnel an active role in the race rather than limiting the association to a ceremonial tribute. In the 2025 edition, reports placed the number of military and police participants above 4,000.
Adesara said the 10th edition would mark a decade of the marathon’s association with the Armed Forces.
“We are grateful for the support of Honourable Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi as we mark the 10th edition of the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon. Presenting him with the official jersey is a proud moment as we celebrate a decade of running in honour of our Armed Forces. As Ahmedabad prepares for the Commonwealth Games 2030, we look forward to contributing to the city’s sporting journey.”
The marathon is organised by Adani Sportsline, the sports arm of the Adani Group. The company was formed in 2019 and says its sports activities include work at grassroots level and support for sporting talent in India.
The 10th edition will therefore take place against two clear developments in Ahmedabad’s sporting calendar: the growth of a mass-participation city marathon and preparations for the Commonwealth Games in 2030. The November 29 race is expected to again bring together recreational runners, competitive athletes and members of the Armed Forces on Ahmedabad’s roads.
For a city preparing to host a major international multi-sport event, the marathon’s long-running participation base offers another measure of public interest in organised sport and distance running. The 2025 turnout of more than 24,000 runners was the largest reported participation figure in the event’s history so far.
The 10th Adani Ahmedabad Marathon will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026. AIMS has listed the race date in its current calendar.
