- 24,000+ runners to take the scenic, AFI-certified course on Nov 30; AIMS-listed event enters its biggest edition yet
- Top police, traffic and medical units deploy extensive systems for safety, crowd control and emergency response
- Armed Forces leaders, Pranav Adani and fitness icon Mandira Bedi to flag off the prestigious annual race
- #Run4OurSoldiers theme strengthens with 4,000+ defence and police personnel
NE SPORTS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 26
Ahmedabad is gearing up for one of its largest sporting spectacles as the 9th Adani Ahmedabad Marathon (AAM) returns on 30 November 2025, promising a flawlessly coordinated and secure race day for more than 24,000 runners. With meticulous inter-agency planning, advanced medical arrangements and comprehensive traffic and security deployment, the city is set to host one of India’s most efficiently managed marathons.
Organised by Adani Sportsline, and strongly supported by the Ahmedabad City Police, Traffic Police and the Health Department, the marathon continues to grow in stature as an international-standard distance-running event.
At a joint press briefing, Race Director Dave Cundy, World Athletics Course Measurement Administrator (Asia & Oceania), was joined by Niraj Kumar Badgujar, Additional Commissioner of Police, Sector 1; Bhavna Patel, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic); and Dr Amir Sanghavi, Medical Director, KD Hospital, who outlined the marathon-day blueprint.
World-Class Course, Global Certifications and Surging Participation
Now just a year away from its 10-year milestone, the marathon enters its biggest edition yet. Certified by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and featured since 2022 on the AIMS Global Marathon Event List, AAM continues to put Ahmedabad on the world distance-running map.
This is the third year of the scenic route introduced in 2023, taking runners past Atal Bridge, Gandhi Ashram, Ellis Bridge and other historic landmarks—one of India’s most picturesque, athlete-friendly city courses.
Flag-Off Ceremony Reflects the Marathon’s Prestige
The 2025 edition will be flagged off by
- Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL)
- Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Indian Air Force
- Major General Gaurav Bagga, General Officer Commanding, Indian Army
- Mandira Bedi — Actor, Presenter, Author and fitness icon
Their presence underscores the event’s growing national stature and its deep connection with the armed forces.
Citywide Security and Traffic Systems Activated
Highlighting extensive police preparedness, Niraj Kumar Badgujar, Additional Commissioner of Police, said: “Police and running have always shared a deep connection, from training for exams to training camps and even now, running has always been important. And it continues to be important for us to successfully manage a major event like this marathon. The route of the marathon will go from seven stations, and they will all be in sync for traffic movement.”
He added: “The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon has truly become a part of the city’s identity, and I am proud to have been associated with it since 2018. I’m personally going to participate this year, and the entire police department is excited for the marathon. Hundreds of police personnel will be deployed for efficient coordination so that every participant and citizen can experience a safe and well-managed marathon. We are fully prepared to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.”
Speaking on traffic strategy, Bhavna Patel, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said: “We’re looking forward to being part of the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon, that has become synonymous with the city since its inception. Our team will put clear diversions, volunteers and advisories in place so that citizens enjoy a smooth, safe and memorable race day.”
Robust Medical Infrastructure Across the Course
The marathon’s medical backbone has been designed by KD Hospital, the official Medical Partner. This includes:
- 21 medical booths across the route
- 1 critical-care station at the holding area
- 108 ambulances strategically placed
- Hydration stations with trained volunteers
Sharing his reflections as both a doctor and a marathoner, Dr Amir Sanghavi said: “The Ahmedabad Marathon touches me deeply. I’ve run it myself, and I know the courage it takes to challenge your body and mind. These events are powerful because they showcase the human spirit at its best.”
Race Director: “A truly world-class event”
Race Director Dave Cundy noted the significant surge in participation: “This is my third year as the Race Director of the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon, and I look forward to help in executing another successful event on Sunday. Ahmedabad is a city deeply connected with its heritage. When I came on board, one of our major goals was to raise the standards and I’m proud to say that the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon is a truly world-class event.”
He added: “This year, we’ve had a 33% increase in numbers with more than 24,000 people running across different categories. This is a huge occasion for the city, and we’d like to thank all the authorities, as well as the public, who turn out in huge numbers to support this event.”
A Marathon That Salutes India’s Soldiers
Reinforcing the event’s defining theme, Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline, said: “Like every year, the entire city will be activated with support from local authorities to make this event successful. This is the only marathon in the country where there is such an active involvement from the armed forces.”
He emphasised the continuing focus on #Run4OurSoldiers, adding: “#Run4Soldiers has been our aim since the inception of the marathon, and we’re delighted to be fulfilling it since the last nine years. On behalf of the Adani Sportsline team, and each participant, we’d like to thank the Sabarmati River Front Police, Traffic Police, our medical staff and everyone else who makes this event a great success.”
