Madathon 2026 to highlight Doon’s shrinking streams, promote plastic-free events
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
Youth led environmental group Making a Difference by Being the Difference (MAD) will organise Madathon 2026 on June 7 at Parade Ground to raise awareness about the city’s drying streams and water bodies. The event scheduled to begin at 5 AM is expected to attract around 4,000 to 5,000 participants. MAD volunteers Archie Bisht and Om Kapoor said that this year’s theme, “Run for the Dying and Drying Streams of Dehradun” focuses on the growing threat to the city’s natural water sources, along with issues such as waste management, climate change and sustainable development. They said that the run will begin from Parade Ground and proceed towards Bindal bridge before reaching Centrio Mall. The runners will then return via secretariat before reaching Parade Ground.
The event also marks 15 years of environmental activism MAD which operates mainly through contributions made by its members.
The organisers said that the event will follow a zero-waste model and avoid the use of single-use plastic. Handmade cloth banners prepared by volunteers will be used instead of flex banners while decorations will be made from recycled and upcycled materials. Participants will also be provided drinking water in reusable steel glasses rather than disposable plastic cups. The group said that the aim is not only to draw attention to Dehradun’s environmental challenges but also to show that large public events can be organised with minimal waste generation. Dehradun mayor Saurabh Thapliyal has been invited to flag off the marathon. Organisers have appealed to residents, students and environmental groups to take part in the event and support efforts to protect the city’s natural resources.
