Guwahati, Assam, November 14, 2019: Fitness enthusiasts, excited first timers, city veterans and many a smiling face came together in the wee hours of Thursday morning at the Veterinary College Ground, Khanapara for the Hayat World Diabetes Day Run. One of the biggest health awareness programmes of our city, the run is an initiative to raise awareness on diabetes and its impact on the individual, the family and society as a whole. Held on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the run is conceptualized by one of Guwahati’s renowned healthcare Hayat Multi Super Specialty Hospital and featured 2 categories in terms of the running distance: 5kms and 10kms in which this year more than 1500 competitors participated.

Mr. Hrishikesh Goswami, Media Advisor to CM, Assam graced the event as the chief guest and Mr. Sudhir Kumar Sharma, GM Network One, SBI, Guwahati, veteran actress Chetana Das and Mr. Pranay Bordoloi, Managing Editor, Prag News, Guwahati were present as the guests of honour. The event was organized in association with State Bank of India (SBI), Guwahati, United Fitness Squad (UFS) and Zakti Digital Services (P) Ltd, a notable digital marketing agency of the region.

Currently in its 3rd year, the annual event also made a strong digital presence through a successful campaign that was effectively executed by Guwahati based digital marketing agency, Zakti Digital Services (P) Ltd. From ensuring a smooth online registration process that witnessed more than 200 registrations on a daily basis to manoeuvring a comprehensive social media presence to capturing the essence of the awareness event in terms of online advertising and promotion to comprehensive design work for an attractive on ground presence, the agency has partnered for the second time with Hayat Hospital for this event.

Meant to encourage people to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle, the run seeks to draw people’s attention to the many health risks presented by diabetes and the importance of including a regular fitness routine in preventing/managing it. The escalating diabetes situation is a serious concern, and the fact that almost 50% cases of type 2 diabetes are preventable makes it even more significant to get out of the sedentary lifestyle and be more proactive in living a healthy life.

While winners of both categories were presented with mementos, the winners of the 10kms category were also awarded with prize money awards of INR 5000, 3000 and 2000 in the first, second and third position respectively. All participants were presented with certificates and medals, and free tee-shirts who reached the venue. This year also had free Zumba dance sessions that enhanced the fun element of the event.

Like earlier times, the Hayat World Diabetes Day Run was well received this year too. The concept of an awareness run is not new to the city, however, with each initiative, more and more people are drawn closer to understanding and acknowledging the importance of making health and fitness a priority in life. And as the city undergoes its transformations, particularly in terms of lifestyle, it is through such events that we find the inspiration to adopt a healthier lifestyle as an individual and as a community, and to collectively aim towards empowerment through our choices.