The capital city of Telangana State will transform its historic monuments into a continuous heritage pathway on February 1, 2026, when thousands of runners are expected to participate in the Hyderabad Heritage Run, an initiative blending fitness, culture, and tourism promotion.
Telangana State Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao unveiled the event poster at Taramati Baradari recently in Hyderabad, describing the run as more than a sporting competition – rather, it represents a celebration of the city’s architectural evolution spanning several centuries.
“This initiative serves as a tribute to Hyderabad’s living history, creating a unified heritage corridor that tells the story of our architectural journey through the ages,” Krishna Rao said during the launch ceremony.
A Route Through History
The event, organized by the Government of Telangana’s Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture (Sports) Department in collaboration with Telangana Tourism and the Sports Authority of Telangana, will feature three distance categories designed to accommodate varying levels of fitness and interest.
The premier 21-kilometer half marathon will begin at the iconic Charminar and conclude at the Qutb Shahi Tombs, taking participants through a carefully planned route that includes the High Court, City College, Legislative Assembly, Golconda Fort, and Taramati Baradari. This flagship category offers runners an extended tour of Hyderabad’s most significant historical sites.
Meanwhile, the 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer runs will both start and finish within the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex itself, providing participants with an intimate experience of this historic monument site. These shorter distances are specifically designed to appeal to beginners, families, students, and heritage enthusiasts seeking a more accessible way to engage with the city’s architectural treasures.
World-Class Event Standards
Organizers have committed to delivering a professionally executed running experience with comprehensive support infrastructure. Planned amenities include precision timing systems, clearly marked routes, trained volunteer staff, multiple hydration and energy stations, medical and emergency response teams, security coordination with police, baggage handling facilities, finisher medals and certificates, and designated recovery areas for participants after completing their runs.
Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Kranti Valluru, Rapido Head Umesh, and other senior officials attended Tuesday’s poster launch event at the historic Taramati Baradari venue.
Global Platform for Local Heritage
Minister Krishna Rao emphasized that the event is being positioned as an international platform to showcase Hyderabad’s rich architectural legacy. By routing participants past monuments representing different historical periods – from medieval fortifications to colonial-era administrative buildings – the run creates a narrative journey through the city’s layered past.
The minister encouraged widespread participation from citizens, youth, runners, and fitness enthusiasts, expressing hope that strong turnout would establish the event as a significant celebration of Hyderabad’s heritage on the global stage.
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