A Chandigarh woman has captured national attention after turning the city’s iconic road layout into a creative New Year message through an extraordinary fitness challenge. Asmita, a local resident and avid runner, welcomed 2026 by completing a precisely planned 26.26-kilometre run that traced the number “26” across the city’s digital map, creating a striking visual that quickly went viral.
The run began near RBI Park and wound its way through multiple sectors of Chandigarh. Every turn, stretch, and intersection was carefully mapped in advance so that when viewed through GPS tracking, the final route would form the numerals “2” and “6.” What appeared online as a simple graphic was, in reality, the result of intense planning, physical endurance, and flawless execution.
Social Media Applauds Chandigarh’s Unique City Design
Asmita shared the finished map on X, calling it a continuation of a personal New Year tradition. The post resonated instantly with people across India, crossing over 100,000 views within a short time. Users flooded the comment section with admiration, humor, and pride in Chandigarh’s unique urban design.
Many highlighted how the city’s grid-based sector system made such a creative idea possible. One user remarked that only Chandigarh offers this kind of “privilege,” while another praised both the city and the runner for being “next level.” Others added a lighter tone, joking that while most people run out of excuses after a few kilometers, she managed to run out of city at 26.
Ran 26 km & drew the letters 26 in the beautiful city of Chandigarh 🙂 Keeping the tradition alive, Happy New Year twt gang! pic.twitter.com/GmxMywBhch
— Asmita (@asmitaakamboj) January 1, 2026
Beyond the viral moment, the run reflects how fitness, technology, and imagination can blend into something truly memorable. With GPS tracking now allowing runners to visualize their routes in real time, workouts are no longer just about distance or speed—they can become moving artworks across city landscapes.
Chandigarh, long known for its straight roads, organized sectors, and thoughtful planning, became the perfect canvas for this unique New Year statement. While similar attempts in crowded, unplanned cities would be nearly impossible, Chandigarh’s layout allowed the idea to come alive with remarkable clarity.
Asmita’s run was not just a celebration of the New Year but also a reminder that creativity does not need a stage or spotlight. Sometimes, all it takes is a pair of running shoes, a well-planned route, and the determination to turn a simple jog into a story that inspires thousands.