Jaipur: Jaipur is once again ready to celebrate the spirit of running as preparations for the 17th edition of the AU Jaipur Marathon reach their final stage. The marathon is being organised by Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha and World Trade Park, with support from AU Small Finance Bank and Rajasthan Tourism.As part of these preparations, the two-day GCL Dreams Bib Launch Expo was grandly inaugurated on Friday at Shilpgram, Jawahar Kala Kendra.The programme began with a grand inauguration and ceremonial lamp lighting in the presence of several dignitaries including Pt. Suresh Mishra (President, Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha), Ravi Singhal (Managing Director, GCL Dreams), Ashutosh Atri (President, Aavas Finance), Puneet Karnawat (Former Deputy Mayor, Jaipur Greater Municipal Corporation), H C Ganeshia (Patron, Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha), Ravi Goyanka (Race Director, Jaipur Marathon), Deepak Sharma (Executive President, Jaipur Runners), Yogesh Mishra (Director, Miss Rajasthan) and Mukesh Mishra (CEO, AU Jaipur Marathon).Following the inauguration, the soulful and patriotic performance by the RPF Band filled the venue with national pride.Addressing the gathering, Pt. Suresh Mishra said: “AU Jaipur Marathon is not just a race; it is a movement for a Fit India and an aware society. When the youth runs, the nation moves forward.”AU Jaipur Marathon CEO Mukesh Mishra announced that the official race route for AU Jaipur Marathon 2026 has been finalised and designed to ensure a safe, well-managed and smooth running experience for participants on Jaipur’s roads.He appealed to citizens to cooperate by using alternate routes as JLN Marg will remain closed from 3 am to 9.30 am on race day, and only emergency vehicles will be permitted during this period.With the inauguration of the Expo, bib and kit distribution for registered runners also commenced.A special interactive session was held with ultra-runner and Mount Everest conqueror Breeze Sharma on the theme “Beyond Limits: Endurance, Mindset and Ultra Running Inspiration.”The Jaipur Legend Awards were presented to inspirational personalities from the fields of running and fitness.In the evening session, renowned humor poet Sanjay Jhala and popular Bollywood singer Ravindra Upadhyay graced the event as special guests. The “Velvet Voice Open Mic” provided a platform for young talents to showcase their skills in music and art.On this occasion, organisers also presented the complete roadmap for the AU Jaipur Marathon to be held on February 1, 2026. This year’s marathon will be made special by the presence of fitness icon Milind Soman, who will run along with participants, and Bollywood actress Ishita Raj, who will also be present.The marathon will be flagged off by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Industry Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore will attend as a special guest.Two Historic World Record Attempts on Race DayMass singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ by 200 students of Vivekananda Global University – for the first time ever at a sports event in India.• The world’s largest scientific experiment at a single location on the theme “Mother – The Centre of Balance”.Official Race RouteThe AU Jaipur Marathon will start from Albert Hall (South Gate).Full Marathon (42.195-km):Reporting – 2.40 am | Flag-off – 3:00 AMRoute: Albert Hall, Birla Mandir, Gandhi Circle, Malviya Nagar Flyover, Apex Circle, World Trade Park, Jawahar Circle, Bajaj Nagar mode, Tonk Road flyover, JLN Marg JDA Circle, Trimurti Circle Two rounds of this route finish at Albert Hall.Half Marathon (21.097-km):Flag-off – 5 amOne loop of the full marathon route.10-km Run:Flag-off – 6.45 amAlbert Hall South Gate, MNIT Cut, back to Albert Hall.5-km Run:Flag-off – 7.10 amAlbert Hall South Gate, Gandhi Circle, return to Albert Hall.Dream Run & World Record Run:Flag-off – 7.15 amAlbert Hall South Gate, World Trade Park.Facilities on the Route34 Water, Energy and Orange Stations12 EHCC Medical Stations15 Cheering ZonesMobile toilets at multiple locationsAll participants have been requested to enter the venue only through Ramniwas Bagh Gate (in front of New Gate).The GCL Dreams Expo will continue on January 31, where runners can collect their bibs. The day will also feature Power Talks, Pacers Meet, Jaipur Runners Awards and Legend Awards, energising participants ahead of the marathon.Under AU Jaipur Marathon 2026, this Expo has become much more than a bib distribution event – it has transformed into a celebration of patriotism, fitness and social unity. Jaipur is now fully prepared for that historic morning when thousands of feet will move together, patriotic spirit will echo, and the entire city will run in one rhythm.
