Mysuru: Braving biting cold and drizzles, thousands of Mysureans participated in the ‘Fit Mysuru Walkathon’ in city this morning, spreading awareness about cleanliness and healthy living.
The five-kilometre walkathon was organised by University of Mysore (UoM) in association with Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), Mysuru District Journalists Association (MDJA), GSS CSR, Gym Association and other organisations.
People from all age groups, from the elderly to the young, began gathering as early as 5 am at the Open Air Theatre in Manasagangothri and joined the walk with enthusiasm.
After registration, they donned white T-shirts and caps and prepared for the walk. The event began with a lively Zumba warm-up session.
Nadageethe, Vande Mataram rendition
The programme formally commenced with the singing of the Nadageethe (State Anthem) and Vande Mataram, followed by a collective reading of the Preamble to the Constitution. MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif administered the cleanliness pledge to the participants.
Addressing the gathering, District In-charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa described the walkathon as a commendable initiative.
Referring to recent trends, he noted that youngsters in the 16-39 age group are increasingly falling victim to heart attacks due to lifestyle-related diseases. Morning walks, he said, provide fresh air and help improve overall health while the responsibility of maintaining Mysuru’s cleanliness ultimately rests with its residents.
Five-km route
The walkathon was flagged off at 6.30 am by Dr. Mahadevappa and mountaineer Dr. Usha Hegde. The walk began at the Open Air Theatre and passed through Kukkarahalli Lake Road (Bogadi Main Road), Saraswathipuram Fire Station, Krishnaraja Boulevard opposite Maharaja’s College Grounds, continued on Hunsur Road and reached Vinayakanagar (Paduvarahalli) signal before concluding at Senate Bhavan.
Drinking water was provided at every kilometre, while medical and ambulance facilities were stationed along the route. Breakfast arrangements and separate parking facilities were also made for the participants.
Chamarajanagar MP Sunil Bose, MLA T.S. Srivatsa, MLCs K. Shivakumar and C.N. Manjegowda, Deputy Commissioner (DC) G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Regional Commissioner Nitesh Patil, Zilla Panchayat (ZP) CEO S. Ukesh Kumar, University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof. N.K. Lokanath, City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, D. Srihari of GSS and others participated in the walkathon.
This post was published on January 11, 2026 5:46 pm