An unforgettable celebration of culture, creativity and community on January 31, 2026, as the EThnic Run 2.0 + Cultural festival has transformed the Gachibowli Stadium into the vibrant playground of tradition and expression. Giggle Mug organised the event in partnership with Nagireddy Organisation. The event brought together fitness enthusiasts, families, artists and culture lovers under the theme of “Tradition in Action.”

With the mix of a fun run and a full-scale cultural carnival, the Ethnic Run 2.0 is more than just a sporting event. Culture can move, evolve and thrive when people come together with creativity for a purpose. iFinish handled all participants coordination and onboarding, the official registration partner, to ensure a smooth experience from sign-up to race day. The carnival opened its doors to the public at 3:00 PM, with deep decor, folk performances, live music and a festive atmosphere that thrilled visitors into a celebration of India’s diverse heritage artisan stalls and handcrafted products, traditional food counters serving authentic regional flavours for everyone.

The event featured a separate children's zone, interactive cultural activities and a relaxed space for families and friends to relax. Traditional art forms, engaged with artistic installations and enjoyed live performances throughout the event evening. The energy was infectious, making the carnival a perfect prelude to the much-anticipated Ethnic Run. The event was a kind of challenge, with the call to “Run Wild, Dress Crazy, Have Fun,” inviting participants to wear standard athletic gear and embrace their ethnic wear with a twist. Sarees paired up with sneakers, sherwani with sunglasses, dhotis styled creatively and bold outfits turned the run into a fashion parade. Participants were reported at 4:00 PM as teh bib distribution commencing along the carnival. Both the 2.5 and 5 km runs were flagged off at 5:00 PM. Runners of all ages took part in the event with spirit.

The route was filled with fun pit stops, dance checkpoints, and themed cultural zones to keep participants entertained throughout the run. Once the participants crossed the finish line, they were welcomed with stars and encouraged to strike poses as they celebrated their outfits. All the finishers received a medal, refreshments and access to the cultural carnival, which was a true victory.

As the live music performances from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, with the festive spirit alive, combined with music, lights and laughter, created an atmosphere that felt like a cultural festival more than a sporting event. The event had awards such as Best Ethnic Look (Male and Female), Best Dressed Kid and Best Dressed Team, which brought friendly competition and excitement. The best-dressed took the cash prize of 20,000/-, while the second place, with 10,000/- showed that creativity and coordination are important.

Behind the scenes, iFinish, the official registration partner, played a vital role in the smooth execution of Ethnic Run 2.0. From online registrations to participant data management and clear communication, iFinish ensured a hassle-free experience for runners and organisers alike. The efficient registration system enabled accurate participant tracking, timely bib distribution and streamlined on-ground coordination. This digital support allowed organisers to focus on delivering a memorable event while participants enjoyed a seamless journey from registration to celebration.

As the night closed, Ethnic Run 2.0 + Cultural Festival left the memories of laughter, self-expression and shared joy. The event has brought together fitness enthusiasts, fashion, music and heritage, offering Hyderabad a refreshing and meaningful run experience.