Published: 9 February 2026ANI / The Statesman / India Running / Utsav.gov.inRajasthan
Alwar Tiger International Half Marathon 2026 Flagged Off by CM Bhajanlal Sharma — 18,000+ Runners from 8 Countries Promote Tiger Conservation
On February 8, 2026, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari flagged off the Alwar Tiger International Half Marathon 2026 from Pratap Auditorium, Alwar. The event was organised under the leadership of Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, with Bollywood actor and wildlife activist Randeep Hooda as brand ambassador.
More than 18,000 participants from eight countries took part in the 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km race categories, making it one of the largest wildlife-themed running events in India. The marathon aims to raise awareness about tiger conservation, promote environmental protection, and encourage physical fitness in alignment with the central government's 'Fit India' movement.
The event has a strong conservation significance for Rajasthan: the Sariska Tiger Reserve and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve are two of India's prominent tiger habitats, and Rajasthan's tiger population has grown from just 25 in 2010 to over 100 by 2025 under Project Tiger. The marathon reinforces Rajasthan's positioning as a wildlife tourism destination and supports Bhajanlal Sharma government's Eastern Rajasthan tourism development initiative centered on Alwar, Bharatpur, and adjacent districts.
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Frequently asked questions
Who flagged off the Alwar Tiger International Half Marathon 2026 and when was it held?
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma flagged off the Alwar Tiger International Half Marathon 2026 on February 8, 2026. The event attracted over 18,000 participants from 8 countries and was themed around tiger conservation and environmental awareness.
Which tiger reserve is located in Alwar district of Rajasthan and what is its significance?
Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Alwar district of Rajasthan and is one of India's important reserves under Project Tiger. Sariska was notably the first tiger reserve in the world to successfully relocate tigers, after the big cats had gone locally extinct around 2004-05.
What is the current status of India's tiger population according to the latest census?
According to the latest (2022) tiger census, India's tiger population stands at over 3,682, up from 1,411 in 2006. current NTCA material states India is home to around 70% of the world's wild tigers, making it the most important country for global tiger conservation.
What is Project Tiger and when was it launched in India?
Project Tiger is India's wildlife conservation programme launched in 1973 with the primary goal of protecting the Bengal tiger and its habitat. It is managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and covers 58 tiger reserves spread across 18 states.
