GREATER NOIDA : More than 1,000 children took to the track at Buddh International Circuit on Sunday as KIDYWIDY Marathon 2.0 brought young runners and their families to the Greater Noida venue best known for hosting Formula One racing in India.
Held under the theme “Har Kadam Desh Ke Naam”, the event drew over 3,500 people, including participants, parents and other attendees. The initiative focused on encouraging children to remain physically active and helping families incorporate fitness into their everyday lives.
The marathon was supported by the Fit India Movement and presented by Homefoil. It was organised by KIDYWIDY in association with BuzzStage, with Priya Jain and Akshita Jain leading the initiative. Rohan Sharma supported the event’s organisation, while UPSC aspirants from Tathastu Academy assisted with on-ground coordination and event management.
The races were flagged off by Dr. Tanu Jain, former civil servant and founder of Tathastu, and Sarika Jain, vice-president of the Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The event featured 500-metre, 1-kilometre and 2-kilometre race categories, allowing children to participate according to their age and experience. The circuit provided a distinctive setting for the young runners, many of whom experienced the venue as a running track rather than a motorsport circuit.
Dr. Tanu Jain said the initiative offered children an opportunity to engage in physical activity while also creating practical learning opportunities for students involved in organising the event. “The involvement of Tathastu Academy’s UPSC aspirants also gave students valuable real-life experience in event management, teamwork and coordination beyond classroom preparation,” she said.
Sarika Jain highlighted the role of sporting activities in developing discipline, confidence and healthy habits among children.
Priya Jain, founder of KIDYWIDY, said the aim was to make physical activity an enjoyable part of childhood and encourage families to give greater priority to fitness. “Our vision is to motivate every child to be fit, healthy and happy. Through initiatives like KIDYWIDY Marathon, we want to make sports and physical activity an enjoyable part of childhood and inspire families to prioritise fitness,” she said.
Akshita Jain said the experience of running at the circuit was a key attraction for the children. “It was lovely to see the kids running on the same track where cars run. Their smiles, energy and determination made this initiative truly special,” she said.
Rohan Sharma said the participation reflected the potential of community-led initiatives to introduce children to organised sporting activities. “Bringing together over 1,000 young runners at the Buddh International Circuit was a wonderful experience. The event showcased the power of teamwork and community participation in encouraging children to embrace sports and fitness,” he said.
Beyond the races, the event brought families together around the message of childhood fitness. Its theme, “Har Kadam Desh Ke Naam”, linked individual efforts towards staying active with the broader goal of building a healthier nation. KIDYWIDY said it aims to continue promoting children’s participation in sports and activities that support their physical development and well-being.
****
