3,000 Women Join Singappen Marathon in Chennai for Cervical Cancer Awareness

Around 3,000 women participated in the Singappen Marathon, an 8-km run organised at Island Grounds in Chennai on Sunday, August 9, to raise awareness about cervical cancer prevention and women’s safety.

The marathon was organised by the Rotary Club of Madras Central, Inner Wheel Clubs of District 323 and the Singappen Special Force (SSF). The event began at 6 a.m., with participants running from Island Grounds to the Lighthouse and back.

The participants included college students, working professionals and homemakers, who came together to support the campaign and promote awareness of women’s health and safety.

Singappen Marathon Highlights Women’s Safety

K. Bhavaneeswari, Inspector General of Police, Singappen Special Force, flagged off the marathon. She said the initiative aimed to create greater awareness about cervical cancer prevention, while also highlighting women’s safety and the 1091 women’s helpline.

SSF personnel also participated in the marathon and interacted with members of the public as part of the awareness initiative.

Focus on Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination

Singappen Marathon Chairman Nallammai Ramanathan stressed the importance of increasing awareness about cervical cancer and the benefits of HPV vaccination.

She highlighted the availability of an indigenously developed quadrivalent HPV vaccine at around ₹1,500 per dose and emphasised the importance of vaccinating young girls aged nine and above.

Rotary Expands HPV Vaccination Access

Rotary representatives said the organisation plans to expand access to HPV vaccination through partnerships with healthcare institutions.

HPV vaccines are being made available at Rotary Central Margaret Sidney Hospital in Nanganallur, with healthcare partnerships involving Gem Hospital, MGM Healthcare and Venkateswara Hospital.

The Singappen Marathon in Chennai brought together thousands of women to promote fitness while raising awareness about cervical cancer, HPV vaccination and women`s safety.