Mysore/Mysuru: Hundreds of fitness enthusiasts took part in the Apollo Climbathon 2.0 — 1,001 steps climbing competition at Chamundi Hill — organised by Apollo BGS Hospital to mark World Health Day celebrations here yesterday.

Over 600 participants including men, women and senior citizens from various walks of life including working professionals, students and retired people took part in the competition.

Zumba specialist Variety Manjunath engaged and entertained the crowd at the foot of Chamundi Hill before the flagging off.

Prizes to the winners were distributed by Eswara Rao, Vice-President, JK Tyres and Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mysuru and N.G. Bharateesha Reddy, Vice-President and Unit Head, Apollo BGS Hospitals, during valedictory held atop the hill.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. H.V. Satish, Senior Consultant Plastic Surgeon, said: “The heart, roughly the size of a fist, holds key to our well-being. As we age, it becomes crucial to engage in cardiovascular activities like walking, running and climbing. Contrary to common misconceptions, the intensity that the heart is subjected to during these activities is essential for enhancing its function, managing weight and ensuring overall cardiac health.”

Bharateesha Reddy said Climbathon 2.0 had witnessed a health-oriented and fitness-focused trend in the city and added that the objective of the event was to convey the message to prioritise health and take preventive measures to stay healthy.

Dr. Y.B. Jayavardhan, Consultant Orthopaedic and Arthroscopic Surgeon, Dr. Shreyas Alva, Consultant Orthopaedic, Paediatric Orthopaedic, Joint Replacement and Arthroscopic Surgeon, Dr. Shivakumar B. Basavaradder, Consultant and In-Charge, Department of Emergency and Dr. Venkatesh Murthy, Associate Consultant, Emergency Medicine of Apollo BGS Hospitals, were also present.