Bengaluru: A grand marathon titled ‘Cancer Survivor Run’ was held recently at the Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium to raise awareness about cancer and to celebrate and support those who have conquered the disease.
Organised by Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, the event drew staff members, representatives from various organisations, and members of the public who gathered at Kanteerava Stadium in the morning.
The run passed through Kasturba Road, Cubbon Road, GPO, High Court, and UB City, among other landmarks.
Catering to participants of all fitness levels, the event featured race categories of 2 km, 5 km, and 10 km. The health benefits of running drew enthusiastic crowds, with participants arriving in large groups.
Since it was a holiday, thousands of students also joined the event. Winners of the race categories were felicitated with awards.
Flagging off the marathon, Dr. Sharanprakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, addressed the gathering and stated that screening camps were being organised across the state to bring cancer under control.
He emphasised the need to build public awareness about cancer, and noted that marathons such as this played a vital role in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
He announced that such large-scale awareness events will be held every year, adding that adopting good lifestyle habits was key to personal health and to building a healthier society.
Cancer survivors shared deeply inspiring accounts at the event, speaking openly with the public about their journeys — from diagnosis through treatment.
They conveyed a strong message: there is no need to fear cancer — early treatment can lead to victory over it. Survivors were warmly felicitated at the event.
