Tobacco Free Chennai Run 2026
MACT Launches "Tobacco Free Chennai Run 2026"
Chennai, August 16, 2026 — Mary Anne Charity Trust (MACT) today launched the "Tobacco Free Chennai Run 2026," an initiative to advance the cause of tobacco-free living in Chennai. The programme brought together public health officials, medical experts, community partners and film industry representatives.
The event opened with a welcome address by Ms. Amutha, Trustee, MACT, followed by a formal outline of the initiative by Mr. S. Cyril Alexander, Executive Director of MACT. Dr. K. Krishnaraj, Joint Director, NCD, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and Dr. Kannan Pugazhendi, Director, SPARRC, jointly unveiled the Tobacco Free Chennai Run 2026 and opened the first registrations for the run. As part of the launch, Dr. Krishnaraj presented the bib to Mr. Kannan Pugazhendi, and Mr. Sivasubramaniam from Showspace presented the bib to Dr. Krishnaraj. Marking the occasion, Dr. Chandragupta, from Dr Gupta's Dental Specialities Centre, took the first picture in the event's selfie frame.
The programme also introduced the Tamil Nadu Nicotine Free Coalition, with an overview presented by Dr. T. Pravin, District Program Officer, NCD, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. As part of the session, Tobacco Monitor ID Cards were distributed to nine volunteers by Dr. Krishnaraj, formally recognizing nine community members who will support monitoring and awareness efforts across the State.
Highlighting the role of community partnerships in tobacco control, Dr. Vidyaa Hari Iyer, Director of Smile Dental Clinic, spoke about the importance of grassroots support systems in helping people quit tobacco use.
The event concluded with remarks from Mr. K. P. Marimuthu, Trustee, MACT. The event was emceed by Meena, DJ, Rainbow FM. The launch was also attended by the Sponsors of the Run including Mr. Saravanan from Samay, Mr. Murali from KnoWhat, Ms. Amutha from Shrimpex underscoring the growing cross-sector support for the tobacco-free movement in Chennai.
The Tobacco Free Chennai Run 2026, which is to be held on November 15, aims to mobilize citizens across the city in a collective push toward reducing tobacco use and promoting healthier lifestyles. There are two categories in this event - 10k and 5k run which is expected to attracted 5000 participants.
The launch event also featured a special screening of the anti-tobacco/drug film Mudharkanal, introduced by its Director, Mr. R. Venkataramanan. Several members of the Mudharkanal film crew were also present at the event. Following the screening, participants shared feedback and reflections on the film's message and its relevance to the tobacco-free movement in Chennai. Registrations for the run can be completed at: https://
About MACT: Mary Anne Charity Trust (MACT) works toward child rights, public health awareness and community welfare initiatives in Chennai, including tobacco control and preventive health programmes.
Cyril Alexander, Executive Director, Phone number - 9444011035



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