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Hyderabad 10K Run champions mental health and child wellness

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 4:47 GMT by Telangana Today
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Hyderabad 10k Run Champions Mental Health and Child Wellness

A bright, early‑morning sun illuminated the streets of Hyderabad as more than 700 runners, volunteers, and supporters converged on the historic Hussain Sagar lakefront for the city’s first “Hyderabad 10K Run – Champions for Mental Health and Child Wellness.” The event, organized by the Hyderabad Sports and Wellness Foundation in partnership with the Telangana Mental Health Board and the Children’s Welfare Society, aimed to raise funds and awareness for mental health initiatives and child wellness programs across the region.

The run began at 7:30 a.m. with a ceremonial flag‑off by the mayor of Hyderabad, who spoke about the growing importance of mental well‑being in a rapidly changing society. “In a city that never sleeps, we must ensure that our citizens have the mental resilience to thrive,” he said, emphasizing that mental health is as critical as physical health. The mayor also thanked the sponsors – Infosys, TCS, and the local bank HDFC – for their generous contributions to the event’s charity fund.

A Route of Hope and Health

The 10‑kilometre course, mapped by the local police department and city planners, wound through the lush gardens of the Osmania University campus, the bustling markets of Laad Bazaar, and finally looped around the scenic banks of Hussain Sagar. The route was carefully designed to be wheelchair‑accessible and included hydration stations every 2.5 kilometres, ensuring that runners of all ages and abilities could participate safely.

Organisers reported a 15‑minute average finishing time for the elite category and a 45‑minute average for the general public, with a record of 31 minutes and 48 seconds set by senior champion Kiran Patel. Patel, a 47‑year‑old civil engineer, shared that he runs every morning as part of his personal mental‑health routine. “Running gives me a clear mind and a sense of calm, which I bring back to my job and family,” he said, adding that he hoped the event would inspire others to adopt healthier habits.

Champions of the Race

The winners of the race were announced in a small ceremony at the finish line. Men’s champion Kiran Patel clocked 31:48, while women’s champion Sarita Nair finished in 38:02. Both athletes praised the supportive atmosphere created by the local community. “The cheers from the crowd made the distance feel shorter and the challenge more rewarding,” Nair told reporters. In addition to the elite races, the event also featured a “Family Run” category, a “Kids’ Marathon” for children aged 6‑12, and a “Senior Citizens’ Fun Run” that attracted more than 200 older participants.

The runners also carried placards that read “Mental Health Matters,” “Kids First,” and “Support Every Step.” The organizers noted that 62% of the participants carried placards, underscoring the community’s commitment to the event’s themes.

Raising Funds for a Cause

All proceeds from registration fees, sponsorships, and on‑site donations were earmarked for two primary beneficiaries: the Telangana Mental Health Board’s community outreach program and the Children’s Welfare Society’s new “Healthy Minds, Healthy Futures” initiative. The mental‑health program provides free counseling and psychiatric services to low‑income families, while the child wellness initiative offers nutrition education, vaccination drives, and mental‑health screenings to children in underserved areas.

During the event, a panel of experts, including Dr. Radhika Srinivasan, a child psychologist, and Dr. Ajit Kumar, a psychiatrist, held a brief talk on the importance of early mental‑health intervention for children. They highlighted that 1 in 4 children in India experience some form of mental‑health issue, yet access to professional care remains limited. “Early detection and consistent support can change life trajectories,” Dr. Srinivasan said.

Community and Corporate Support

The event received strong backing from corporate giants and local businesses. Infosys, the IT behemoth, set up a “Wellness Hub” at the starting point, offering free health check‑ups and mental‑health consultations. TCS distributed a set of branded water bottles, and the local restaurant chain “Taste of Hyderabad” supplied a free lunch to participants who completed the run within the top 10% of the general category.

In addition to corporate sponsorships, local artisans showcased traditional handicrafts and cultural performances throughout the event’s perimeter, adding a vibrant cultural layer to the sporting celebration.

The Impact Beyond the Finish Line

Organizers plan to hold an “Impact Forum” the following month, where winners, volunteers, and beneficiaries will share their stories. The forum aims to highlight tangible outcomes: the number of counseling sessions conducted, the number of children reached through nutrition programs, and the incremental awareness among participants about mental‑health resources.

“The Hyderabad 10K Run is more than a race; it’s a movement,” said event coordinator Prakash Reddy. “We’re not just crossing a finish line; we’re forging pathways to healthier minds and brighter futures for our children.”

The event closed with a community pledge wall where participants wrote promises to adopt healthy habits and support mental‑health advocacy. Over 500 signatures were collected, symbolizing the collective commitment of Hyderabad’s citizens to a healthier tomorrow.