FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon Promotes Experiential Learning Beyond Classrooms

Celebrating the role of hospitality in nation-building while inspiring the next generation of industry professionals

Greater Noida, 12 January 2026: In a landmark initiative aimed at highlighting the critical role of the hospitality sector in India’s development journey, 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, 1 February 2026.

The event, themed ‘Viksit Hospitality for Viksit Bharat’, seeks to celebrate the contribution of hospitality and tourism to nation-building while encouraging young aspirants to view the sector as a dynamic, future-ready, and aspirational career path. By bringing together students, hospitality professionals, policymakers, fitness enthusiasts, and the general public, the Mini Marathon aims to foster awareness about the industry’s economic significance, employment potential, and evolving role in shaping India’s global identity.

Hospitality: A Pillar of India’s Growth Story

India’s tourism and hospitality sector continues to be one of the country’s most powerful engines of economic growth. The industry contributes significantly to national GDP, foreign exchange earnings, and employment generation, directly and indirectly supporting millions of livelihoods across urban and rural India. As domestic tourism expands and international arrivals steadily rise, hospitality has emerged as a key enabler of inclusive development, particularly in emerging destinations beyond traditional metros.

Over the past two to three years, the sector has witnessed rapid expansion into Tier III and Tier IV cities, driven by improved infrastructure, increased disposable incomes, and government-led tourism promotion initiatives. New hotels, resorts, restaurants, and allied services are opening across regions that were previously underrepresented on the tourism map. This expansion has unlocked vast opportunities for local employment and entrepreneurship, reinforcing hospitality’s role as a decentralised growth catalyst.

However, despite this remarkable growth trajectory, the industry continues to grapple with a critical shortage of trained and skilled manpower. The gap between industry demand and available talent has become increasingly pronounced, underscoring the urgent need for stronger awareness, structured skill development, and closer collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers.

It is against this backdrop that the FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon has been conceptualised — as a platform to spotlight hospitality as a sector of national importance, while engaging youth and communities in conversations around skills, careers, wellness, and sustainable development.

‘Viksit Hospitality for Viksit Bharat’: A Vision Aligned with National Priorities

The theme of the Mini Marathon, ‘Viksit Hospitality for Viksit Bharat’, aligns closely with India’s broader development vision of becoming a developed nation driven by innovation, inclusivity, and human capital. Hospitality, with its labour-intensive nature and global outlook, plays a unique role in this vision by creating employment across skill levels while serving as a cultural ambassador for the country.

By integrating fitness, community engagement, and industry outreach, the event seeks to position hospitality not merely as a service industry, but as a nation-building force that supports economic resilience, social mobility, and international perception.

A Dynamic and Engaging Marathon Experience

The FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon will be hosted at the FHRAI–IHM campus, Plot No. 45, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, with the event commencing at 6:00 am. Designed as a high-energy, inclusive experience, the Mini Marathon is expected to attract a diverse mix of participants, including hospitality students, industry professionals, seasoned runners, fitness enthusiasts, families, and local residents.

The event will feature an energetic opening ceremony with the participation of senior government officials, hospitality leaders, and institutional representatives, setting the tone for a morning dedicated to health, collaboration, and celebration of the sector.

One of the unique highlights of the Mini Marathon will be its culinary and experiential hospitality showcase. Along the marathon route, chefs from the hospitality ecosystem will present signature dishes and curated culinary elements, offering participants and spectators a taste of innovation, regional flavours, and service excellence. This immersive approach reflects hospitality’s ability to blend creativity, discipline, and guest-centric thinking — values that resonate strongly with the marathon’s spirit.

An interactive hospitality pavilion will further enhance engagement, showcasing emerging opportunities in hospitality education, tourism development, food innovation, sustainability practices, and career pathways. The pavilion is designed to inspire students and young professionals by demonstrating the sector’s diversity and future potential.

Celebrity Participation, Wellness Activities, and Cultural Performances

Adding to the vibrancy of the event will be the presence of celebrity chefs, sports personalities, and influencers, whose participation is expected to amplify outreach and connect with younger audiences. Their involvement reflects the growing intersection between hospitality, lifestyle, wellness, and popular culture.

Participants and attendees will also enjoy a range of live entertainment and wellness activities, including music performances, fitness workshops, Zumba sessions, and energetic Bhangra performances throughout the morning. These elements are intended to create a festive atmosphere that celebrates teamwork, inclusivity, and community spirit.

Commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Practices

Sustainability forms a core pillar of the FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon. In line with the hospitality industry’s increasing focus on responsible operations, the event will implement several environmentally conscious measures. These include eco-friendly race kits, reusable hydration stations, and structured efforts to minimise food waste across the event.

By embedding sustainability into its execution, the Mini Marathon reinforces the message that future-ready hospitality must balance growth with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Participation Categories Designed for All Age Groups

To ensure inclusivity and broad participation, the Mini Marathon will feature four participation categories, catering to both competitive runners and casual walkers:

• 10 km Chip Timing Run

• 5 km Chip Timing Run/Walk

• 3 km Chip Timing Run/Walk

• 3 km Student Fun Run/Walk

These categories have been curated to encourage participation across age groups and fitness levels, making the event accessible to students, professionals, and families alike.

The Mini Marathon is being curated by Piku Sports and co-organised with Geci, ensuring professional race management and a smooth participant experience.

Industry Leaders Speak on the Initiative

Speaking about the significance of the initiative, Mr. 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 also 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.”

Emphasising the importance of experiential learning and student engagement, Mr. Sagnik Chowdhury, Director (Admn. & Finance) and Secretary, NCHMCT, stated:
“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.”

Envisioned as an Annual Flagship Initiative

The FHRAI–IHM Mini Marathon is envisioned as an annual flagship event that goes beyond fitness to celebrate health, teamwork, and community engagement, while consistently spotlighting hospitality’s contribution to India’s development narrative. As the sector prepares for its next phase of expansion, the event aims to encourage sustained participation from students, professionals, and industry stakeholders.

By strengthening the dialogue around skills, careers, and industry readiness, the Mini Marathon seeks to reinforce the importance of skilled talent in building a resilient, globally competitive, and future-ready hospitality ecosystem.

About FHRAI

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) is the apex body of the hospitality industry in India, representing over one lakh hotels and five lakh restaurants across the country. Through its Centre of Excellence for Research in Tourism & Hospitality (CERTH), FHRAI actively promotes research, policy dialogue, and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening the tourism and hospitality ecosystem and its allied sectors.

About FHRAI – Institute of Hospitality Management

The FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management (FHRAI–IHM) is the education and skill development arm of FHRAI. Located in Greater Noida, FHRAI–IHM focuses on industry-oriented training, experiential learning, and leadership development, with a mission to prepare future-ready hospitality professionals and bridge the sector’s growing skill gap through innovation, collaboration, and excellence.