Since 2023: The Rise of Shilp Aarambh GIFT City Run
- Hardik Joshi
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Having started my running journey in 2023, my first year as a runner coincided with the very first edition of the Shilp Aarambh GIFT City Run—a time when everything felt new, both personally and for the event itself. Back then, the scale was already impressive, with over 10,000 runners participating in the inaugural edition , but what has stood out over the years is how beautifully the event has evolved. Each edition has felt more refined, and this year, the execution truly reflected that growth.
One of the most noticeable improvements was the crowd management, especially for the 5K category, which typically sees the highest participation with families, groups, and recreational runners. The staggered timing created a well-balanced holding area—busy, yet never chaotic. What truly impressed me was the seamless, linear flow designed by the organizers: from finishing the race to moving into recovery, receiving the medal, and collecting the snack box—everything happened effortlessly, without long queues or confusion. It felt intuitive and runner-friendly.
The choice of flag-off guests over the years has also been thoughtful, consistently featuring fitness and sports icons who genuinely resonate with the running community. On the course itself, the effort was clearly visible—dedicated lane closures, disciplined traffic management, and well-positioned volunteers ensured that runners stayed on their respective routes, avoiding any mix-ups between 10K and 21K participants.
Even the approach from the start line to the main route was well-leveled, minimizing any risk of slips or congestion. Post-run experiences were equally smooth, with quick finish time updates, a good volume of photographs, and importantly, no additional cost attached to accessing them.
All in all, having witnessed this journey from its very first year, it’s clear that Shilp Aarambh has grown into a thoughtfully organized and runner-centric event—one that not only promotes fitness but continues to raise the bar for how running events should be managed.
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