Mumbai runs on World Cancer Day to spread awareness

Goregaon Sports Club organizes an awareness drive to run for the ‘Prevention of Cancer’

The second edition of the Marathon by Goregaon Sports Club, the GSC SOS 10.0 flagged off with over 2200 participants, especially form Mumbai’s western suburbs, running to spread Cancer awareness amongst citizens on World Cancer Day yesterday. The Marathon happens to be the first ever timed run on such a grand scale in the western suburbs of Mumbai. Television actress Riddhi Dogra was seen supporting the cause and flagged off the run amidst the cheering crowd.

Goregaon Sports Club (GSC) felicitated 25 children from Tata Memorial Hospital as Cancer Survivors. Dr. Suraj Suchak, Oncologist representing the Malad Medical Association, along with Mr. Syed Jafri, Senior Public Relations Officer, Tata Memorial Hospital, spoke about ‘Prevention against Cancer’ to build awareness amongst the runners’ fraternity. The club also contributed a donation of Rs. 2 lakhs to Tata Memorial Hospital for the cause of cancer prevention.

Hon. Secretary, Mr. Sunil Dewali said, “These kids are the real heroes, battling with cancer each day and surviving. We are really honored to be able to contribute to their happiness by virtue of this event. Fitness is the key to a good life and with this marathon, we intend to inspire people to stay fit with physical activity.”

The event witnessed participation in huge numbers from the local crowd in all 3 categories of the run- 10 km / 5km / 3km run with the 10km and the 5 km being timed runs, while the 3km was a fun run. The event was seamlessly organized with medical facilities, physiotherapists, volunteers, water stations and warm ups well taken care of. Runners enthusiastically participated in the Zumba cardio dance party for pre and post run warm up and thrill. Inspired by Mr. Raj Vadgama, a national record holder in running across India and a finisher of La Ultra 222 km marathon at Ladakh, his students have initiated this run with the support of the club.

“We have witnessed an overwhelming response this year too with local participation in huge numbers, which encourages us to take this to a bigger scale the next year. Our club members have shown great enthusiasm in contributing towards the cause, putting together great energies”, adds Mr. Mukesh Purohit, the Marathon Chairman at GSC.

The club aimed at encouraging first time runners, walkers to the 3k fun run and walk and spread wellness in the community. For the serious runners participating in the 5k and 10k run, it has been a great experience to run for a cause!