FHRAI–IHM to Host ‘Viksit Hospitality for Viksit Bharat’ Mini Marathon in Greater Noida

GREATER NOIDA News (12/01/2026): The FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management (FHRAI–IHM), in collaboration with the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI) and the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), will organise the first edition of the FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon on Sunday, 1 February 2026, in Greater Noida. The event is themed ‘Viksit Hospitality for Viksit Bharat’ and aims to spotlight the hospitality sector’s contribution to India’s development while encouraging youth to consider the industry as a strong and future-ready career option.

The Mini Marathon will bring together hospitality students, industry professionals, government representatives and fitness enthusiasts on a common platform. It seeks to celebrate the sector’s growing role in strengthening the economy through GDP contribution, foreign exchange earnings and large-scale employment generation.

Despite rapid expansion, particularly in Tier III and Tier IV cities over the past few years, India’s tourism and hospitality industry continues to face a significant shortage of trained manpower. This gap between opportunity and skilled talent underscores the need for greater awareness, stronger industry–academia collaboration and focused skill development. The Mini Marathon has been conceptualised to address these challenges by positioning hospitality as a dynamic and aspirational profession aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.

The event will open with a ceremonial inauguration featuring participation from senior government officials and hospitality leaders. A curated culinary showcase will line the marathon route, with chefs presenting signature dishes, while an interactive hospitality pavilion will highlight innovation in tourism, food, service excellence and emerging career pathways. The presence of celebrity chefs, sports personalities and digital influencers is expected to further enhance public engagement.

Participants will also experience live music, fitness workshops, Zumba and Bhangra performances throughout the morning. Sustainability is a key focus of the event, reflected through eco-friendly race kits, reusable hydration stations and measures to minimise food waste.

The Mini Marathon will feature four participation categories catering to different age groups and fitness levels: a 10 km chip-timed run, 5 km and 3 km chip-timed run/walk, and a 3 km student fun run/walk. The event will commence at 6:00 am at the FHRAI–IHM campus, located at Plot No. 45, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida. A large turnout of students, hospitality professionals, runners and families is expected. The event is being curated by Piku Sports and co-organised with Geci.

Speaking on the initiative, the FHRAI leadership emphasised that the hospitality sector has the potential to play a transformative role in India’s economic future. As the country progresses towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, hospitality will be instrumental not only in job creation but also in shaping India’s global image. The Mini Marathon aims to inspire young people to view hospitality as a meaningful and impactful career choice.

Highlighting the importance of experiential learning, NCHMCT representatives noted that the Mini Marathon offers students an opportunity to engage with the industry beyond classrooms. By bringing institutions, professionals and aspiring talent together, the event showcases hospitality as an inclusive, dynamic sector closely linked to India’s growth and development journey.

Envisioned as an annual flagship initiative, the FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon seeks to promote health, teamwork and community spirit while reinforcing the importance of skilled human capital in building a strong, future-ready hospitality ecosystem.

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) is the apex body of India’s hospitality industry, representing over one lakh hotels and more than five lakh restaurants nationwide. Through its Centre of Excellence for Research in Tourism and Hospitality (CERTH), FHRAI actively supports research, policy advocacy and collaborative initiatives to strengthen the tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

The FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management (FHRAI–IHM) is the education and skill development arm of FHRAI. Based in Greater Noida, the institute focuses on industry-oriented training, experiential learning and leadership development, with the objective of preparing future-ready professionals and bridging the sector’s growing skill gap.

Dear Readers and Viewers, Please note that tennews.in: National News Portal daily publishes latest and top ten news from government, politics, national, business, education, technology, lifestyle, entertainment, health etc ten categories. You may submit your e mail and subscribe it to get updates on your e mail.  Please also subscribe TEN NEWS NATIONAL YouTube Channel.