Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 26: The first-ever edition of Racefor7 in Mangaluru, organized by the Organization for Rare Diseases India (ORDI) in association with Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) and Arunya Foundation, concluded successfully on Sunday at Yendurance Sports Zone. The event received an overwhelming response, with over 400 participants, including doctors, police personnel, KSRP officers, media representatives, medical professionals, students, and faculty members from various institutes across the city.
The event was flagged off by Geetha Kulkarni, ACP CCB, Mangaluru City Police, Dr Ashwini S Shetty, director, Directorate of Extension and Outreach Activities, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Muhammed Sabith, deputy operations officer, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, Vijayanand Shetty, senior marketing executive, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, and Vikram K, managing trustee, Arunya Foundation. Participants enthusiastically took part in the 7K run, with some opting for an extended 10K challenge. The Mangaluru City Traffic Police ensured a smooth and safe race by arranging a zero-traffic lane for the runners.
The day began with an energetic Zumba session by Namratha Shekar, Zumba coach at Zeus Fitness Club, followed by the race flag-off at 6.30 am. Srinivasa Pejathaya, secretary, Arunya Foundation, and Nayana Shetty, race director, presented finisher medals to all participants upon completing the race.
Prominent figures from the medical community, including Dr Santosh Rai, radiologist, KMC Mangaluru (MAHE), Chandrashekhar Shetty, senior engineer, AIR Mangaluru, and Dr Shwetha Kamath, who had previously organized the world’s first fashion show for rare diseases in Mangaluru, participated in the event alongside ace runners from the Mangaluru Runners Club.
Dr Anupama Rao, additional professor, Yenepoya Dental College, and Dr Sharath Balemane, associate professor, Yenepoya Medical College, addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of rare disease awareness, early diagnosis, and patient care.
The event also saw remarkable support from 15 bikers from Tulunad Bikers, who escorted the runners along the route. NSS volunteers from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) played a crucial role in managing event logistics, ensuring the smooth execution of the race.
The Mangaluru City Police extended their support by providing necessary traffic clearances, allowing a hassle-free experience for all participants.
Racefor7 symbolizes the 7,000 known rare diseases affecting over 70 million people in India. Since its inception in 2016, it has grown into a nationwide movement. The success of its debut edition in Mangaluru underscores the city’s commitment to championing the cause of rare disease patients and advocating for better policy implementation and funding support.
About ORDI
The Organization for Rare Diseases India (ORDI) is a patient-centered non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by individuals with rare diseases in India. Through advocacy, awareness programs, and patient support initiatives like Racefor7, ORDI strives to build a sustainable ecosystem for rare disease treatment and policy development.
About Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), a NAAC A+ accredited institution, is a beacon of academic excellence in Mangaluru, India. Spread across five campuses in coastal Karnataka, the university offers world-class education in medicine, dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy, allied healthcare, science, pharmacy, Ayurveda, naturopathy and yogic science, homeopathy, arts and social sciences, commerce and management, and engineering.
Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) was ranked 95th in India by NIRF 2024, with its dental college securing the 26th position among the top dental institutions in the country. The university boasts top-tier faculty and cutting-edge infrastructure, ensuring future-ready graduates across its 11 constituent institutions.
The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) recognized and published ‘The Sustainability & Green Initiatives’ of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) in its Guidebook for Climate Action & Sustainability in Healthcare.