Chess grandmaster Arjun Kalyan, was the chief guest and flagged off the event. G.Bhavani, Scientist-F / Sr. Director and Head of the Chennai branch, and other officials were present. Around 1000 runners participated in the run. Runners who completed the run were awarded certificates and medals.

Every year 14 October is marked as World Standards Day, to appreciate the experts who develop International Standards Worldwide. International Standards is a robust system built on cooperation and collaboration between various stakeholders.

The uniformity and hallmark of various goods and services ensure quality assurance. To create awareness about the various schemes and quality assurance programs, BIS Taramani conducted Manak Mahotsav Programmes at Chennai, Puducherry and Vellore for various stakeholders of BIS on Oct.24.

Prior to this, in April 2024, CR Bessie Flyers had run an 8-week ‘Couch to 5k’ programme which met with an overwhelming response. The Couch to 10k programme will conclude just before the flagship event of CR, ‘Freshworks Chennai Marathon’ (FCM), scheduled on Jan.5. To sign up for the programme, contact the Chapter coordinators – Yamini Dharendran (98400 87584), Krithika Balasubramanian (93457 57120).

The 10k run was flagged off by A.M.V.Prabhakara Raja (MLA from Consistency Virugambakkam) and Vanaja Krishnamurthy (Social worker and Treasurer of WIA Chennai). The special guests were Lion Dr.K.Indira (President of Lions Club of Madhavaram Truck Terminal) and Mr.Hariharan, a kidney recipient, who shared a few words on his successful life.

Mohan Foundation distributed brochures and donor cards to participants. Participants pledged for organ donation. Around 2000 people, including the physically challenged, participated in the cause and all received their medals and certificates. Winners also received mementoes. For more information, contact 91504 45550.

The cultural committee of the community made an ‘Out-of-the-box’ idea to bring the group Saadhana, where women in their ethnic sarees from different cultures across India came together and did a mini-marathon of 2km, within the community grounds. 

One could see a proper Madisaar kattu from down south, a Nauvaari of Paithani sarees from Maharashtra, graceful 6 yards in all kinds of weaves and not to forget, some of the most innovative wear when ladies coupled sarees along with Trax pants, sweatshirts and sneakers. Overall, seeing the classic and modern styles come together was a delight.  

“GC Saree Run is the classic icebreaker when it comes to Indian Ethnic wear and fitness. As a child, I have always wondered how my Amma was able to juggle between being a successful Principal for a primary school, maintaining a spotless household and maintaining charisma as a graceful lady, every day. That too in a saree!” said Archana Sridharan, one of the organisers.

This Run was one such eye-opener for many, that when a woman is determined, nothing can stop her. Women were awarded for being the ‘Most Innovative’, most ‘Stylish’, ‘Senior Citizens’ and ‘Best dress-code followers’.  

In addition, the Cultural Committee also felicitated the students who scored exemplary marks in their 10th & 12th Board exams for 2023-24. Around 30 students from various schools residing in DLF Garden City were rewarded with gifts, and the ones who topped overall in any specific subject were called out and rewarded accordingly.

They have 12 chapters across Chennai and have grown from a handful of people to over 800 today. In order to provide a unique running experience, they started organising half-marathon events. Their events were completely managed by the runners themselves.

Every year, the proceeds generated from the event are distributed to various social organisations, like Vijay Human Services and PCVC, Freedom Trust, Avvai Illam and the Olcott School. The school has also become their standard venue to host the marathon.

Hexaware, a major IT organisation is the title sponsor of their half marathon. This is the second biggest running event in Chennai. In the run-up to the event, they are providing free training programmes across Chennai, to those who want to take up running to improve their overall health.

Recognising the importance of women’s health, they encourage a lot of women to take up running. Every year, their signature half-marathon event is held on the 3rd Sunday of July – July 21 this year.

The neighbourhood residents should turn up in good numbers to cheer the runners who are running for a cause that benefits society at large.

“This is the 2nd edition of Cancer Awareness Run by TCS and Kauvery Hospital. We had an overwhelming response last year, and this year we have seen the same interest from our employees. We have been promoting fitness and good health among all, and this initiative is one such forum highlighting the importance of fitness in overall well-being,” said Mr. Suresh Raman, Vice President and Region Head, Tata Consultancy Services Chennai.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director, of Kauvery Group of Hospitals said, “Though cancer has been increasingly common globally, advancements in research and treatment modalities have helped in treating cancers especially when it is detected early. Through such initiatives and screening programs, we reiterate the fact that the signs or symptoms must not be neglected and early detection can play a crucial role in treating cancer.”

This initiative, featuring both 10 km and 5 km categories, aimed to emphasise the importance of early detection and prevention of cancer. The event marked a significant stride in creating awareness about the disease, which remains a global health concern. The 10 km flag-off was done by Sandeep Rai Rathore, IPS, Commissioner Greater Chennai Police, and the 5 km was flagged off by Assistant Commissioner of Police Murugesan.

“Initiatives focused on cancer awareness play a vital role in addressing this issue, emphasising the significance of regular screenings, early detection, and lifestyle modifications. With a holistic approach that combines awareness, accessibility, and advancements in treatment, Kauvery Hospital is striving to reduce the impact of cancer and improve outcomes for affected individuals,” said a statement from the hospital.

Dr A.N.Vaidhyswaran, Director – Radiation Oncology at Kauvery Hospital Chennai, emphasised the critical role of awareness in cancer prevention. He stated, “Despite advancements in diagnostics and treatments, many individuals still lack awareness about the importance of regular screenings. Early detection is key to improving survival rates, and through the cancer awareness run, we aimed to highlight the symptoms and encourage proactive health measures.”

Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Kauvery Group Hospital expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response to the run, praised the participants for supporting a noble cause and thanked the Chennai Traffic Police and the Greater Chennai Corporation as well.

Saree not a constraint for marathon runners

As shared by Malarkodi A Thilak:

What an electrifying event it was, today! It was an overnight thought, why not run in a saree? After a con-call with Dr Sangeetha, and Ganga Mohan, we were there at 3 in the morning ready to run 10k in tricolour attire (saree) for the K10K event. For the first 1 km, we were focusing on our run, so that we don’t trip down with a saree. After a km, we got comfortable with our attire and then the remaining 9 kms was real fun! While spreading cancer awareness, we did this run wearing a saree for two reasons:

1. To spread about our heritage and culture;

2. There shouldn’t be any constraints (dress, shoes, etc.) for women to pursue running.

Many believe women cannot run wearing saree but we wanted to prove them wrong by doing the task draped in normal cotton sarees. All along the route, runners kept encouraging us. When the organisers called us on stage to recognised us, we were flying in the sky. 

Very well organised event indeed! Thanks a ton to Dr lyappan Ponnuswamy and Dr Sivaramkannan Swaminathan, Kauvery Hospital marathon organising committee. After many many years we three climbed up to the stage! Happiness overloaded! We also enjoyed the dance programme organised after the race. Malarkodi and her friends as well as Dr lyappan and Dr Sivaramkannan are part of Run For Coffee marathon team, which is led by coach Mohammed Idris. They are all residents of the Adyar neighbourhood. Malarkodi can be contacted at malarkodi.a@gmail.com.

This run is to support the cause of cancer research as well as create awareness on cancer for early detection and intervention.

Greater Chennai Police Commissioner, Sandeep Rai Rathore, was the chief guest. Rtn. Ravi Raman, Dist. Governor, Rotary International District 3232, the guest of honour. Neeraja Malik, Cancer counsellor and motivational speaker,  flagged off the run at 5.30 am, in the presence of the President of RCME, Babu Krishnamurthy.

More than 6000 people participated this year and Rs.6 lakhs WAS raised from the event, which was donated to the Cancer Institute, stated Babu Krishnamurthy.

This run is to support the cause of cancer research as well as create awareness on cancer, for early detection and intervention. Terrance Stanley ‘Terry’ Fox (July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981) was a Canadian athlete and cancer activist. He became famous for the ‘Marathon of Hope’ – a cross country run in Canada to raise money for cancer research, which he ran with a prosthetic leg. Read his inspiring story on www.terryfox.org.

Terry Fox of Canada inspired Akash Dube of India, and Akash brought this run to Chennai 15 years back. Although Akash isn’t with us today, his family have been championing the cause along with Rotary Club of Madras East, year on year. The run itself requires only your participation.

This year, three more categories have been introduced in the run – 3 km, 6km, 10 km run or walk (cycling and skating category not available), so it is suitable for all age groups. The registration for the run is free, with an option to make a voluntary donation, the proceeds of which will go towards cancer research work at the Adyar Cancer Institute. Please note that this is not a race, but a Finisher Medal and an optional ‘Dear Terry’ tee will be given to all participants so they can take back memories of the event and proudly support the cause, says Rtn. Archana Ramanakumar, Chairperson – TerryFoxRun Chennai 2023.

Online registrations close on Sept.27. Limited spot registration will be available on the bib collection day as well as the Run day. 

Bib collection will be at the Youth Hostel, 2nd Avenue, Indira Nagar, Adyar, between 9 am and 4 pm on Sept.30. Special Cancer awareness sessions by eminent doctors have also been organised between 2 pm to 5 pm at the same venue.

On Oct.1 morning, participants are requested to assemble at the start point by their respective category.

●   10 Km Walk/run – Assembly at 5.15 am, Flag-off at 5.30 am

●   3 km /6 km Walk/run – Assembly at 5.45 am, Flag-off 6 am

Greater Chennai Police Commissioner, Sandeep Rai Rathore, will be the chief guest. Rtn. Ravi Raman, Dist. Governor, Rotary International District 3232 will be the guest of honour. Neeraja Malik, Cancer counsellor and motivational speaker, will flag off the run at 5.30 am, in the presence of the President of RCME, Babu Krishnamurthy.

After the phenomenal success of the programme, CR is now back with this year’s edition of ‘Couch to 10k’ training programme. This targeted programme will be run by all chapters of CR across the city and is a precursor to the annual flagship running event hosted by CR, ‘Freshworks Chennai Marathon’ (FCM). 

The next FCM is slated to be held on Jan.7, 2024 and will have 4 categories of runs: 10 kms, Half Marathon (HM), Twenty Miler (TM) and Full Marathon (FM).

The ‘Couch to 10k’ programme is open to newbies and regular runners. Under this programme, beginners will be provided a customised training plan for running and for strength training, to facilitate participation in FCM. For those who are already into running, there would be plans designed to improve their pace and transition to other categories, viz., HM, TM or FM.

CR Bessie Flyers, one of the chapters of CR, will be commencing this programme from Sep.1. Interested people can sign up for the programme by contacting the Chapter coordinators: Shanmugam Subramanian (98401 76863) or Krithika Balasubramanian (93457 57120).