Run for Girl Child Marathon Returns to Surat

Surat | Gujarat — The second edition of the ‘Run for Girl Child’ charity run, organized by the Dr. Hedgewar Seva Smriti Trust for the all-round development of girls from the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society, will be held on January 4, 2026, at the VNSGU campus in Surat.

Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) will remain present as the chief guest of the event along with leading industrialist of Surat and co-convenors of the marathon’s organising committee such as Ghanshyam Shankar, Amit Gajjar, chairman of Surat People’s Cooperative Bank, Shyam Rathi, Rajesh Surana, and Rakesh Kansal.

Amitbhai Gajjar, co-convener of the organizing committee said that about 8,000 to 10,000 runners are expected to participate in this charity run. The marathon will have various categories including 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 2 km. A total cash prize of Rs. 2,20,000 will be awarded to the winners.

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS India)  is supporting this event as the main sponsor, while Ramkrishna Diamond, PPL, and Rajkot Nagarik Sahakari Bank are associated as supporting donors. 

Shyamji Rathi, co-convener of the committee, said that ‘Run for Girl Child’ is not just a race, but a campaign for the all-round empowerment of girls. The trust is continuously working to empower underprivileged and marginalized girls living in slum areas in five areas: physical, mental, spiritual, intellectual, and social. 

Last year, there were only 7 Kishori Vikas Kendras (Girl Child Development Centers), while today 159 centers are operational. In addition, the Trust’s ‘Gyan Mandir’ project has also expanded from 60 centers to 105 centers. Through this marathon, the goal is to increase the number of Kishori Vikas Kendras from 159 to 500 and the Gyan Mandir project from 105 to 300 in the coming year. The entire amount raised from this charity run will be used for the education, development, and welfare of girls.

It is noteworthy that the Dr. Hedgewar Seva Smriti Trust was established in 1988. The trust works in four main areas: social service, education, self-reliance, and health. Ranchhodbhai Dholia is the chairman of the Dr. Hedgewar Trust, while Nitin Patel serves as the secretary.