Fight against Tuberculosis Marathon!
Mumbai’s #SethGSMCGymkhana, in association with #BeTheChange for TB campaign by #Johnson&Johnson, organised the #FightagainstTuberculosisMarathon, as a part of King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital’s festival Aavishkaar 2022. This was the third edition of the annual marathon and more than 1000 running enthusiasts participated to spread awareness to eradicate tuberculosis (attached are some photos from the marathon).
The KEM Marathon 2022 brought together the youth of the city to motivate and mobilize them in the country’s battle against tuberculosis, the second deadliest infectious disease after COVID-19. More than 1300 Indians lose their lives to TB despite the availability of free treatment for all. The marathon aimed to create awareness about TB, bust the myths around the disease and promote health-seeking behaviour among people.
Officials from Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai’s (MCGM) Public health department and National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) also participated in the marathon. The marathon was divided into three categories – 3 Km (fun run), 5 Km (timed and fun run) and 10 Km (timed run). The marathon was also joined by a few special participants, namely, Ghanshyam Ukey (Ironman, Tigerman, Huffman, Zuperman, Olympian and a well-known personality among the running fraternity across India), Swati Mukund (Pinkathon Ambassador, a well-known social media influencer and educator).
A vox-pop event went live on the sidelines of the marathon, where Rudraksh, a noted anchor, tested people on their awareness of TB in a fun-filled quirky manner. The marathoners’ responses reflected the vast levels of unawareness around TB that the program, ‘Be the change’ for TB has set out to achieve.
The marathon route started from Bandra Fort, then to Carter Road, turning towards Union Park Road all the way till Dr. Ambedkar Road, and then traced the same path back to Bandra Fort. Participants of the marathon included runners from all walks of life including students, fitness enthusiasts, doctors and other professionals.
Devansh Lalwani, KEM Marathon Head, a TB youth Changemaker said, “We strongly believe that for our country’s growth, we need to eliminate diseases and focus on improving the overall health and lifestyle of all the citizens. We are pleased to see all these running enthusiasts participating in KEM Marathon 2022 and spreading the message of fight against TB. We are honoured to join hands with Be The Change For TB campaign and participate in the movement of making India TB-free. We are committed to this cause and would endeavour to sensitize more people on TB and encouraging health-seeking behavior through our personal & professional networks.”