Chennai, November 15, 2026: Rela Hospital organised ‘Ride Against Diabetes 2026’, a cyclothon that brought together around 500 cycling enthusiasts to promote physical activity, healthy living and diabetes awareness. The event featured three distance categories – Monsoon (150 km), Saaral (75 km) and Thooral (25 km) – enabling participants of different fitness levels to be part of the initiative.

Tmt. Vasantha Kumari Kamalakannan, Mayor, Tambaram City Municipal Corporation, flagged off the cyclothon in the presence of Thiru. G. Kamaraj, Deputy Mayor.

Held in association with Chennai Cyclists and the Narcotics Control Bureau, the cyclothon also sought to raise awareness about drug abuse, extending its message beyond physical fitness. Themed ‘One Ride for Health; One Voice Against Drugs’, the event mobilised the cycling community to promote healthier lifestyles and reinforce the collective commitment towards building a drug-free society.

Tmt. Vasantha Kumari Kamalakannan said, “Cycling is an effective way to encourage people across age groups to stay active and take greater responsibility for their health. Initiatives such as Ride Against Diabetes 2026 inspire citizens to embrace cycling and other physical activities as part of their everyday lives. Bringing communities together through such initiatives also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about important social causes, including the need to build a drug-free society. I congratulate Rela Hospital and other partner organisations for conducting this meaningful initiative and bringing people together for a healthier future.”

In his comments, Mr. Mohammed Farouk, Chief Operating Officer, Rela Hospital said, “Cycling is an accessible and effective form of exercise that helps improve cardiovascular fitness, enhance insulin sensitivity and maintain metabolic health. Initiatives such as this highlight the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into everyday routines to promote overall health and reduce the risk of lifestyle-related conditions, including Type 2 diabetes.”

Through community-driven initiatives such as Ride Against Diabetes, Rela Hospital continues to emphasise the importance of preventive healthcare, physical activity and public awareness in building healthier communities. The cyclothon served as a platform to bring people together around two important messages: embracing an active lifestyle and working towards a healthier, drug-free society.