Excel India Desk
Global Grace Run was held to bring cancer awareness in Hyderabad on October 9, Sunday. The 5th edition of the World’s largest cancer awareness and Guinness Record holding run, the Dandamudi Global Grace Cancer Run – 2022, was flagged off formally by Cyberabad Police Commissioner Stephen Raveendra at Gachibowli Stadium in the city.
Dr Avanindra Dandamudi, Managing Director, Dandamudi Biotech; Dr Sridhar Susarla from Washington DC; Dr Chinnababu Sunkavalli, Robotic Surgical Oncologist and CEO, Grace Cancer Foundation; Sunitha Krishnan, Social Activist; D. Rajeshwar Rao, MLC; Divya Devarajan, Secretary, Human & Child welfare Department, Telangana and Niranjan Raj, Race Director, Grace Cancer Run; graced the occasion.
The Hyderabad part of the run was held within the Gachibowli stadium. Dandamudi Global Grace Cancer Run with the theme ‘Run the extra mile to gift a smile’ was held across the globe in the hybrid formats of both physical and virtual run, enabling participants to choose as per their convenience between the two. Over one lakh participants of all ages, genders, colour, creed from across 130 plus countries expressed unprecedented support to the war against cancer.
The winners in the various run categories were, in 10K Run for Men Naveen clocked 00.32.00 mins; Ramesh B, 00.35.00 and Vangala Dhanush, 00.36.25. In 10K Run for Women Suparna clocked 00.50.56 mins; Chaitra, 00.53.44 and Jwalitha, 00.57.50. In 21K Run for Men Ramesh Chandra clocked 01.40.35; Kamal Jain, 01.44.18 and Pericherla Raju, 01.47.16. In 21K Run for Women Navya clocked 01.40.35; Rashmi Sudhir, 02.23.48 and Sunitha Pucha, 02.27.22.
Speaking on the occasion, Stephen Ravindra said: “Big number of enthusiasts are participating despite heavy rains in the Global Grace Cancer Run. it’s a good cause for which Dr Chinnababu is conducting the marathon. it’s wonderful to see so many enthusiasts so early in the morning eagerly waiting to participate in a run of this scale. It shows pandemic hasn’t killed enthusiasm, which is a very healthy sign.
Dr Chinnababu Sunkavalli said: Extremely delighted at my initiative to spread cancer awareness in a small way five years ago turning into an unprecedented movement across the globe with participants from 130 countries volunteering to spread the message of cancer prevention. Cancer is preventable with modifications in lifestyle and diet, besides by adopting regular exercise. Early detection of Cancer can nip the disease in formation stage.
Dandamudi Global Grace Cancer Run 2022 is India’s contribution to the world against the dreadful Cancer. This weapon in the form of a global run will sensitize the world to combat the killer disease and help reduce the incidence of cancer, says Dr Niranjan Raj, Race Director, Grace Cancer Foundation. We thank all the participants for coming and participating in large numbers despite the heavy downpour yesterday night.
Dr Avanindra Dandamudi said, Grace Cancer Foundation has been doing wonderful work for several years now, we did our bit to the cause this year and are delighted at the massive success of Dandamudi Global Grace Cancer Run – 2022. The immense awareness it has created about cancer prevention and cure available, mitigates the panic about cancer in the public.
The Run was conducted in three different categories of, 5K, 10K and 21.1K (Half Marathon). Each participant was provided with an ‘e-bib’ (a personalized, printable picture). Those participating in the virtual run logged on to activity Apps of their choice like Strava for recording the run. On completion of the run, they posted the distance of the run along with a selfie or photograph with the bib on the chest to enable the organizers to record their participation. The winners were given exciting prizes of Rs 10,000 for 1st Prize; Rs 6,000 for 2nd Prize and Rs 3,000 for 3rd Prize.
The overwhelming response for the run this year, is heartening. Early detection and lifestyle modification are key to conquering cancer. A physical activity like running is strongly advocated for all age groups to prevent cancer and stay healthy. The world is just waking up to this simple and profound truth, says Dr Prameela Sunkavalli.
Divya Devarajan said, Grace Cancer Foundation has been working very hard to build awareness and treat cancer among underprivileged people. I hope you only grow and grow and wish to see amazing results from your work.
Neelima a cancer survivor said, I completed my cancer treatment four months ago and I am here today leading a normal life with the support of my family and doctors. I am here to support the cause espoused by Dr Chinnababu, early detection and prevention of cancer. I was able to detect cancer early, I came for a check-up and discovered that I had breast cancer and because of early detection the recovery was easy for me.
Social Activist Sunitha Krishnan said: “Winning Padmashri is as inspiring as seeing each one of the cancer survivors standing here, each of yours is an inspiring story because you inspired by look at this issue closely.
