As part of the 2025-26 Yuva Janotsava HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign (Red Ribbon Run, Youth for HIV/AIDS Control), a 5 km marathon was held to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS. The programme was organized in association with the District Administration and Zilla Panchayat, the District Health and Family Welfare Department, the District AIDS Control Unit, the District Youth Empowerment and Sports Department and the Indian Red Cross Society, Kodagu Branch.
The main objective of the marathon was to create awareness about HIV/AIDS, provide information about available services, prevent stigma and discrimination, and publicize the toll-free national helpline 1097 and provisions of the HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017. A total of 73 college students from different institutions across the district participated in the event. The competition was inaugurated by senior international badminton player Jyoti Somaiya , Tathapanda who flagged off the run.
Chief guests included V.T. Vismay, Assistant Director of the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, Dr. Sanath Kumar, District AIDS Control Officer, Dr. Anand, District Family Welfare Officer, Ravindra Rai of the Indian Red Cross Society, Presidents of the District Government Employees Association Arun Kumar and Anthony D’Souza, Mahabala, Youth Empowerment Department Trainer Bindya, District AIDS Control Unit Supervisors Sunitha Muthanna, Usha and Kamala, and counsellors Tiny and Dimple from Chaitanya Care and Support Center and Arun A.R.T. Center. Lecturers and students from various colleges were also present.
The marathon began at the General Thimmaiah District Stadium in Madikeri, passed through Field Marshal Cariappa Circle and General Thimmaiah Circle (G.T. Circle), and concluded back at the stadium.
In the boys’ category, Gautham M.S. of Napoklu First Grade College won first place, Chethan of Somwarpet Government BTCG College secured second place, and Gautham P.C. of Gonikoppal Cauvery College stood third.
In the girls’ category, Aishwarya K.Y. of Somwarpet St. Joseph’s College secured first place, Archana U.N. of Gonikoppal Cauvery College came second, and Rashmita A.R. of Madikeri Government First Grade Women’s College won third place.
The first prize winners, Gautham M.S. and Aishwarya K.Y., will represent the district in the state-level marathon to be held in Bengaluru. Certificates and medals were distributed to the winners.
