Vijayawada: Thousands of citizens took part in the 5K and 10K marathons held as part of “Run for Cure 2026”, organised by Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, to mark World Cancer Day in Vijayawada on Sunday. The run aimed to raise public awareness of cancer prevention and the importance of early detection through community participation.Speaking on the occasion, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development director Krishna Teja, who flagged off the marathon, highlighted the significance of collective action in addressing the growing cancer burden. “Initiatives like community runs help translate awareness into action. When people come together for a common cause like cancer prevention, it reinforces the importance of early screening, healthy lifestyles and timely medical intervention,” he said.
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AP State Fire Safety and Disaster Response director general P Venkata Ramana underscored the importance of community preparedness and public health awareness. “Public health challenges like cancer require the same level of collective preparedness and awareness as disaster response. Events such as the Run for Cure strengthen community resilience by promoting preventive healthcare, early detection and informed action, which are essential for safeguarding lives,” he said.Manipal Hospital Vijayawada director J Ramanjaneya Reddy stated, “Cancer care extends beyond clinical treatment. Through initiatives like the Run for Cure, the Manipal Hospital seeks to create greater community engagement around prevention and early diagnosis, which play a crucial role in improving long-term outcomes.”

