Ghaziabad to host UP’s first night heritage run on April 11

Ghaziabad: The district administration will organise the IndianOil Ghaziabad Heritage Run 2026 on April 11. Officials said it will be the state’s first night heritage run. The event, planned as a flagship initiative to promote fitness and community participation, will take participants along the city’s elevated road through the 156-acre City Forest. The district administration said it is directly overseeing the planning and execution of the run.Chief development officer Abhinav Gopal said the district administration will support the event by encouraging large-scale participation and ensuring clean roads and effective traffic management along the route.“As this is a heritage run, we plan to showcase Ghaziabad’s historical landmarks and legacy along the route. This will include highlighting old industrial sites and structures such as Dasna Gate, which dates back to the British era, among others, to promote the city’s heritage,” he added.The run will feature multiple categories – including a 21km half marathon, 10km, 5km and 3km walkathons, and a 2km wheelchair race – ensuring participation across age groups and abilities. Organisers are targeting over 10,000 participants and have announced a prize pool of around Rs 29 lakh.The event is expected to attract national and international athletes, giving it a competitive edge. Special categories have also been introduced for police, armed forces, and paramilitary personnel.The initiative aligns with the Fit India movement and aims to encourage healthier lifestyles, women’s participation, and community engagement, officials said. The event is being executed by XLR8 Basecamp and Marathon Sport Hub, with authorities expecting that it will emerge as a signature annual event for the city.