Introduction
At NIAT x Vivekananda Global University, students run in Jaipur's biggest races — and not only for the fitness.
"We don't just run — we represent our campus with pride in Jaipur's biggest running events." Two events in particular are where NIAT students turn out, and one of them is about a good deal more than running.
The AU Jaipur Marathon, 1 February 2026
On 1 February 2026, VGU students took part in the 17th edition of the AU Jaipur Marathon.
It is one of India's largest running events, and it pulls together students, working professionals and fitness enthusiasts for an early morning that is genuinely a celebration rather than just a race.
VGUites turned out in large numbers. What came across was the energy and the unity of it — a lot of people from one campus, all in the same place early in the morning for the same reason.
The Vedanta Pink City Half Marathon and #RunForZeroHunger
Students also run the Vedanta Pink City Half Marathon, organised in partnership with Vedanta Limited under the #RunForZeroHunger campaign.
This one combines fitness with an actual cause, raising awareness about hunger and community welfare. Many of the activities begin on the VGU campus before participants head towards iconic Jaipur locations such as NRI Junction.
Running a half marathon is hard. Running one that is attached to something beyond your own finishing time is a different experience entirely.
Why These Runs Matter to Students
For NIAT students these are more than races.
They are a way to build real endurance, strengthen friendships through something difficult, and represent the institution somewhere public. It is the clearest example of education at NIAT x VGU extending past the classroom and into the city.
Conclusion
A marathon is a strange thing to enjoy and most runners will admit that.
What makes these two worth it is everything around the running: the crowd from your own campus, the early start nobody wanted, and in the case of the Pink City run, a reason that has nothing to do with you at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do NIAT Jaipur students take part in marathons?
Yes. Students ran the 17th AU Jaipur Marathon on 1 February 2026 and also take part in the Vedanta Pink City Half Marathon.
Q2. What is the AU Jaipur Marathon?
One of India's largest running events, bringing together students, professionals and fitness enthusiasts. Its 17th edition was held on 1 February 2026.
Q3. What is the Vedanta Pink City Half Marathon?
A half marathon organised in partnership with Vedanta Limited under the #RunForZeroHunger campaign, raising awareness about hunger and community welfare.
Q4. Where does the Pink City Half Marathon route go?
Many activities begin on the VGU campus before participants head towards iconic Jaipur locations such as NRI Junction.