Heartfulness Institute in association with Granules India announced its second edition of the Green Kanha Run after the successful first edition held earlier this year. The second edition will be held on 19th November 2023 with the aim of ‘racing into a greener future’ – an initiation of a grand venture to plant 25,000 trees in the three editions of the half marathon at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad. The unique marathon is aiming for 6,000 participants at Heartfulness Institute’s headquarters in Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad and 4000 runners across the Globe.
Speaking about the marathon at a press conference held in Hyderabad on Thursday, Mr. Ronald Rose – IAS, Commissioner, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation said, ““Runs are rare in places outside the cities. The last time when I participated in the Green Kanha Run, I was amazed that more than 3000 people were there participating. It was extremely meticulously planned. The best part about Green Kanha is that you run in a natural environment. More physical locations have been added to the run this time. This is besides the virtual locations which is making it global. It has become a run which people in Hyderabad would like to be a part of. It is a wonderful initiative that combines both mental and physical health. At GHMC we understand the importance of physical health. We will be happy to extend any possible support required.”
Mrs. Uma Chigurupati, Executive Director – Granules India Limited said, “Even before runs got popular in India, I was eating, sleeping and organizing runs. The Green Kanha Run is very close to my heart for two causes 1. Fitness 2. Environment both of which are equally important. These days we come across a lot of lifestyle diseases and stress related issues. We are promoting running. When it comes to environment and green cover, we are addressing both these things in our own small way. I would like to invite everyone to come and take part in this run.”
Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “It is a unique opportunity for people around the world who advocate greening of the planet and save plants. Tree are more than just sentient beings. They are our lifelines. It is with trees that the water cycle and our ecosystem function optimally. I hope more and more people can join in the marathon for the good cause.”
The press conference was attended by organisers from Heartfulness, Granules India Trust, and the Hyderabad Runners Community as well.
The race categories are 2km Family Run, 5km timed Forest Run, 10km timed Yatra Garden Run, 21km timed Sai Reddy Gudda Lake Run and the Global Run. This is the first time the global run category has been introduced to encourage participants worldwide to join in from their locations, ensuring that distance is no barrier to making a difference.
This year’s marathon editions are themed around Water, and the subsequent two-year marathons will be themed around Fire and Earth respectively – making for the three important nature elements that symbolize Heartfulness’s commitment to nurturing and safeguarding the environment. At the end of the three-year cycle, participants will interlock their earned medals from each year, forming a unified symbol of their contribution to a unified, healthier world.
In the first edition, 3,500 dedicated runners joined the movement, leading to the plantation of 4,000 trees. Esteemed personalities like Pulella Gopichand, Honourable Union Minister of Sports Shri Anurag Thakur ji, Honourable Minister of Sports for Telangana, Shri Srinivas Goud, and Uma Chigurupati from Granules were present, adding luster to the event and showing their staunch support for a healthier environment.
Participants are encouraged to sign up as early as possible to ensure their place in this unique journey of change and commitment to environmental preservation. One can visit www.greenkanharun.com for registration. Registrations close on 30th October 2023.
The Granules Green Kanha Run is being supported by Granules India Trust as title sponsor apart from Hyderabad Runners as community partners, Medicover Hospitals as Recovery and Medical partner, Decathalon as Gifting partner, Timing Miles as timing partner, Nile Mile as marathon partner, Hira Pipes as goodwill sponsor and T-tales and Smart Farmers as Goodies Partner. All the proceeds of the marathon will go towards Forests by Heartfulness initiative.
The Granules Green Kanha Run is a groundbreaking marathon event aiming to combine physical fitness and environmental responsibility. The event is a stride towards a significant change, nurturing a culture of health, unity, and environmental conservation.