Damini Sharma
The North News
Chandigarh, November 20
Event Director of the Chandigarh Marathon 2025, Rahul Goyal, has said the event aims to motivate young people to step away from social media and indoor routines and embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. Speaking to The North News at Chandigarh Press Club, Goyal noted that many students today spend most of their time online or indoors, and the marathon is an effort to encourage them to “go out and run”. He said interest among young people in fitness activities was growing, with early morning gatherings and “coffee break parties” becoming more common. The marathon, he added, seeks to build on this momentum.
He said the theme of the event — “Active and Fit Chandigarh” — reflects the city’s long-standing culture of outdoor activity. “If we talk about ten years ago, people used to come to Chandigarh to walk and run. These habits have reduced over time, and we want to help revive them,” he said. Goyal described the marathon as both a personal and collective fitness initiative. “I want to add to these efforts for better health. Let’s stay fit together — and help everyone stay fit,” he said.
Participants, he added, are joining not only from Chandigarh and the tri-city area but also from Ludhiana, Patiala, Lucknow, Bihar and the Garhwal region. The event includes 10 km and 21 km timed runs, with age categories divided into 18–35, 35–45 and 45–60 years. “People are coming from far to take part, which shows the enthusiasm for fitness and outdoor activity,” he said.
