Over 35,000 Participate in Global Grace Cancer Run in Hyderabad; 300 Cancer Survivors Join
Organised by Hyderabad-based Grace Cancer Foundation under the theme “Run for Grace. Screen for Life,” the event aimed to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection and the importance of timely screening. The participation of around 300 cancer survivors was a major highlight of the event, symbolising hope, courage and resilience.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who could not attend due to prior engagements, conveyed his message to the participants through a letter, which was read out by Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli, Founder and Global CEO of Grace Cancer Foundation and Senior Consultant Robotic Surgical Oncologist.
The Chief Minister commended the Foundation’s work and emphasised the importance of early detection and public awareness.
Telangana Minister D. Sridhar Babu, MP Mallu Ravi and film actress Anaswara Rajan presented prizes to the winners of the men’s and women’s 10K categories.
The first, second and third-place winners in each category received cash prizes of Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively.
In the men’s 10K category, Mukesh Bhambhu secured first place with a chip time of 30 minutes and 25 seconds, followed by Rohit Binnar in 30 minutes and 33 seconds and Nikhar Bhalavi in 31 minutes and 43 seconds.
In the women’s category, Uma Marripally won first place with a chip time of 39 minutes and 42 seconds.
Rajeshwari finished second in 41 minutes and 53 seconds, while Kalyani secured third place in 45 minutes and 23 seconds.
Speaking on the occasion, Sridhar Babu said participation in the run could help save lives, as the funds raised would support free cancer screening.
He said the initiative promoted public awareness and commended the participants for dedicating their time to a social cause.
The participation of over 35,000 runners reflected Hyderabad’s civic spirit and social consciousness, he added.
Mallu Ravi, who shared his experience as a cancer survivor, said he was diagnosed with the disease in 2005, underwent treatment in the United States and had since recovered.
He stressed that early diagnosis and timely treatment were crucial to successful outcomes and highlighted the emotional challenges faced by patients and their families.
Dr. Chinnababu announced that the Foundation would undertake cancer screening initiatives in the constituencies represented by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Minister Sridhar Babu.
Following a request from Mallu Ravi, Nagar Kurnool would also be included in the proposed initiative.
He also announced that Grace Cancer Foundation had been listed on the Social Stock Exchange, marking a significant development in its efforts to advance its social-impact mission.
Film actress Anaswara Rajan urged people to prioritise their health and undergo regular medical check-ups rather than allow daily commitments to take precedence over preventive healthcare.
Among those present were Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, Cyberabad Police Commissioner Ramesh Masthipuram, Cyberabad Municipal Corporation Commissioner Srijana Gummalla, U.S. Consul General in Hyderabad Laura Williams and Olympic bronze medallist and badminton player Saina Nehwal.
Other participants included Yogendranath Reddy Bommu, Founder and Managing Director of Quambiant Developers; Kalyan Thota, Senior Director, Finance Operations, Evernorth Health Services; Ramesh Kaza, Executive Vice President and Country Head of LPL Financial; Sunpreet Singh, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Cyberabad Commissionerate; Serilingampally MLA Arekapudi Gandhi; and Lakshmi Narayana Dronamraju, Founder and CEO of EQUIPPPP.
