Hridayapoorvam promo run enjoys enthusiastic participation across Kerala

Kerala woke up to a wave of enthusiasm on Sunday as the promo run for Malayala Manorama's cardiac healthcare initiative with Madras Medical Mission, Hridayapoorvam, was held across the state. In Kottayam, Municipal Councillor Bincy Sebastian flagged off the run at the Nehru Stadium at 6.30 a.m. In crisp white jerseys, runners coursed through the Railway Station road, Good Shepherd Road, Manorama Junction, Thirunakkara, and the YWCA Road to finish at the stadium. Runners of all ages participated in the event, which promotes heart health and champions Hridayapoorvam's noble cause. The mass run was organised to promote the World Health Day message, ‘Use Heart for Action.’ 

Stories that inspired runners
Law student Manu George, a first-time participant, said it was an enjoyable run. "The racecourse in Kottayam was thoughtfully designed, offering just the right level of challenge for an enjoyable run. Additionally, hearing heartfelt stories from others was incredibly inspiring. One runner, whose husband received a life-saving heart transplant through the Hridayapoorvam initiative, recounted their journey — a truly moving testament to the cause." Manorama Online CEO Mariam Mammen Mathew and Malayala Manorma Chief News Editor Vinod Nair awarded certificates to the participants in Kottayam.

Sudheesh Kumar K, a participant in the Kozhikode event, ran alongside his alumni group, 'Farook College Runners.' "There were 32 of us, and we had a great time. The post-run arrangements were also excellent," said Sudheesh. Cochin Port Trust Engineer Anil Kumar KN took part with his 14-year-old son Milind in Kochi. "My son is a differently-abled child, and he completed the run with joy. He was especially excited by the support at hydration stations, the refreshments provided, and the photo opportunities set up for finishers," said Anil. 

Strong turnout at all districts
Chief Secretary Sharada Muraleedharan flagged off the race in Thiruvananthapuram at 6.30 am in front of Kowdiar Palace. After covering Vellayambalam Square, the run concluded at Kanakakkunnu. NK Premachandran, MP, flagged off the five-km mass run in Kollam on the premises of Malayala Manorma office at Kadappakkada. The participants took the route of Railway over bridge, Karbala Junction, Railway station, Chinnakkada, Shanker’s Junction and Kadappakkada to return to Manorama office. Here's how the event unfolded in other centres:

Pathanamthitta
District Police Chief V G Vinod Kumar flagged off the event at Malayala Manorama office in Pathanamthitta, at 6.30 am. The route covered Stadium Junction, St Peters, General Hospital, Central Junction and Aban Junction to conclude at Malayala Manorama office.
Alappuzha
The mass run in Alappuzha was flagged off at 6 am by District Police Chief M P Mohanachandran on the premises of Malayala Manorama at Kalappura. The participants concluded the run at Manorama office itself after covering Kommady bridge, AC Canal Road, Mattancherry bridge, Vazhicherry bridge and Savakotta bridge.

Thodupuzha
The mass run in Thodupuzha started at 6.30 am from Mangattukavala bus stand and concluded at the same spot after covering Naluvarupathavazhy, Vengalloor Shappumpady, Muvattupuzha-Thodupuzha Road, Telephone Exchange Junction and Market Road.
Kochi
Arjuna Award winner and national badminton player George Thomas flagged off the event in Kochi at 6.30 am. The run started from the Malayala Manorama office at Panampilli Nagar and concluded at the walkway on Shihab Thangal Road.

Thrissur
District Collector Arjun Pandian inaugurated the mass run at Malayala Manorama office at Ikkanda Warrier Road in Thrissur. The runners took the route along Sakthi Nagar, M O Road, Swaraj Round, District General Hospital Junction, St Thomas College Road, Kizhakkekotta Junction and Jubilee Roundabout to return to the Manorama office.
Palakkad
In Palakkad, the event was inaugurated at 6.15 am by Olympian Preeja Sreedharan, while vice-president of Kerala Athletic Association C Haridas presided over. The run began from Moyan School Junction and concluded at Malayala Manorama office after covering Sultanpet, Stadium Stand, Fort Maidan and BEM School. The Palakkad unit of Hotel and Restaurant Association was the food partner and Thangam Hospital, Palakkad, the medical partner of the event.

Malappuram
District panchayat president MK Rafeeka flagged off the run at Nambiarapady, Manathumangalam in Malappuram, at 6.30 am. The participants ran up to Shifa Junction and returned to Nambiarapady. Moulana Hospital, Perinthalmanna, offered medical services at the mass run. Energy drinks and cut fruit packets were distributed among the participants who completed the run. A free diabetes check was also arranged.
Kozhikode
Minister for Public Works and Tourism PA Mohammed Riyas inaugurated the programme in front of Beach Hotel on Beach Road at 6.30 am. The mass run concluded in front of Beach Hospital itself after taking turn at Kamburam, near Vellayil Police Station.

Kalpetta
District Police Chief Taposh Basumatary flagged off the mass run in front of Kalpetta Yes Bharat, at 6.30 am. The participants covered the route along Anappalam, Munderi, Warehouse Road and Pinangode Junction to end the run in front of Yes Bharat. The event in Kalpetta was organised in association with District Olympic Association, Wayanad Fest and Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy.
Kannur
KM Greeshma, a former international athlete and medal winner in SAF Games, flagged off the mass run at Stadium Corner in Kannur at 6.30 am. The participants covered Thavakkara, New Bus Stand, Fort Road, Railway Station Road, Muneeswaran Kovil and Old Bus Stand to conclude the run at the starting point itself. In addition to the readers who registered, representatives of Kannur Sports School, SAI Thalassery, Cannanore Cycling Club, North Malabar Chamber of Commerce, Kannur Beach Run Team, district committee of Federation of Residents Associations (FERA) and Balajanasakhyam took part in the event. The mass run was organised in association with Aster MIMS, Kannur; Unomed Lab, Thana and Bake Story.

Kasaragod
Additional SP, Kasaragod, P Balakrishnan Nair inaugurated the run near the Malayala Manorama office at M G Road, Kasaragod at 6.30 am. The route was along Chandragiri Junction, Old Bus Stand, Pallom traffic junction, Mallikarjuna temple, KSRTC, KPR Rao Road, Head Post Office, Chandragiri Junction and New Bus Stand and back at Manorama office. 
District Sports Council president P Habeeb Rahman took part in the valedictory ceremony of the event. Participants included registered readers and representatives of organisations such as Thalangara Wamos morning walk group, District Sports Council, Chandragiri Lions Club and Malik Dinar School of Nursing.

Legacy of healing hearts
Hridayapoorvam was launched by Malayala Manorama in 1999 to arrange examination and surgery for heart patients belonging to economically poor families. So far, the programme has conducted 82 free heart consultation camps and 2,500 free heart surgeries. The silver jubilee function will take place at Mammen Mappillai Hall in Kottayam on January 13.