CM Nayab Saini flags off ‘Drug-Free Haryana Faridabad Namo Marathon-2026’ at Surajkund
Over 1.35 Lakh Join Drug-Free Haryana Namo Marathon in Faridabad
Babushahi Bureau
Faridabad (Haryana), September 27, 2026: More than 1.35 lakh people participated in the ‘Drug-Free Haryana Faridabad Namo Marathon-2026’, which was flagged off by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini at Surajkund on Sunday.
The event saw participation from youth, women, senior citizens, students, sportspersons and people from different sections of society. Participants took part in 21-km, 10-km and 5-km runs, with the event focusing on drug de-addiction, fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
Addressing the participants, Saini urged young people to stay away from drugs and channelise their energy towards sports, education, skills, employment, innovation and nation-building.
He said the fight against drug abuse required participation from society along with government and law enforcement agencies. He also urged parents and teachers to maintain regular communication with children.
During the programme, the Chief Minister administered a pledge calling on participants to stay away from drugs and encourage their family members, friends and others in society to do the same.
The Chief Minister said drug abuse affects individuals, families and society and called for collective efforts to prevent young people from falling into addiction.
The marathon was also linked to the state government’s ‘Haryana Uday’ initiative and the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’. Saini said the de-addiction message was being taken to districts and villages across Haryana.
The event also featured patriotic slogans and participation from people across different age groups. The organisers said the large turnout was intended to reinforce the message of a drug-free Haryana through public participation and physical activity.
Winners in 21.1-km and 10-km Events
In the men’s 21.1-km category, Prashant Chaudhary finished first, followed by Vikram Singh and Anuj Meena.
In the women’s 21.1-km category, Sonika secured the first position, while Manav Rana and Bhumika finished as first and second runners-up, respectively.
In the men’s 10-km category, Rohit Kumar emerged as the winner, with Gaurav and Nishant Karhana finishing second and third.
In the women’s 10-km category, Neeru Rani finished first, followed by Sonia Upadhyay and Reema Patel.
Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar, Haryana Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Vipul Goel, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rajesh Nagar, Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam, and several MLAs and other public representatives were also present at the event.