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, 1st February 2026. Themed ‘Viksit Hospitality for Viksit Bharat’, the event brings together students, hospitality professionals, government representatives, and fitness enthusiasts to celebrate the contribution of the hospitality sector to India’s growth story while promoting the industry as a strong career pathway for the youth.
India’s tourism and hospitality industry continues to remain one of the country’s largest drivers of economic value. It plays a central role in strengthening GDP, enhancing foreign exchange earnings, and creating widespread employment. Despite its vast potential and rapid expansion into Tier III and Tier IV cities over the last two to three years, the industry continues to face an acute shortage of trained manpower. This contrast, of immense growth opportunity and a pressing skill gap, highlights the need for deeper awareness, stronger industry–academia collaboration, and a policy environment that encourages talent development. The Mini Marathon has been conceptualised to address this need by positioning hospitality as a vibrant, future-ready career and by showcasing the sector’s decisive role in shaping the Viksit Bharat vision.
The event will feature an energetic opening ceremony with participation from senior government officials and hospitality leaders. Attendees will experience a unique culinary showcase, with chefs presenting signature dishes along the marathon route, alongside an interactive hospitality pavilion designed to highlight new possibilities in hospitality, tourism, food innovation, and service excellence. The presence of celebrity chefs, sports personalities, and influencers will further elevate the event’s engagement and appeal. Participants can also enjoy live music sessions, fitness workshops, Zumba, and Bhangra performances throughout the morning. Sustainability remains an essential element of the event, reflected through environmentally conscious race kits, reusable hydration stations, and efforts to reduce food waste.
The Mini Marathon will include four participation categories, offering distances suitable for runners and walkers across age groups. The categories include a 10 km Chip Timing Run, 5 km and 3 km Chip Timing Run/Walk, and a 3 km Student Fun Run/Walk. FHRAI–IHM, located at Plot No. 45, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, will host the event starting at 6:00 am. With an expected turnout of students, industry professionals, runners, and families, the event aims to create a spirited atmosphere that brings together the hospitality community and the wider public. The Mini Marathon event is being curated by Piku Sports and co-organised with Geci.
Speaking about the initiative, Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President, FHRAI, said, “The hospitality sector has the power to transform India’s economic future. As the country moves toward the goal of Viksit Bharat, the industry will play a defining role not only in job creation but in shaping the global perception of India. Through this Mini Marathon, we want young people to feel inspired, to see hospitality as a meaningful and rewarding career, and to understand the impact they can make as future leaders of this sector.”
Highlighting the importance of experiential learning, a senior representative of the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), Sagnik Chowdhury, Director (Admn. & Finance) / Secretary, said, “The FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon provides students with a valuable opportunity to engage with the hospitality sector beyond academic settings. By bringing together institutions, industry professionals, and young aspirants on a common platform, the event helps showcase hospitality as a dynamic, inclusive career choice that is closely aligned with India’s evolving growth and development journey.”
The FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon is envisioned as an annual flagship event that celebrates health, teamwork, and community spirit while spotlighting the vital role hospitality can play in driving India’s development narrative. As the sector prepares for its next phase of expansion, the event seeks to encourage greater participation from students and professionals and reinforce the importance of skilled talent in building a strong and future-ready hospitality ecosystem.
