ABOUT THE MARATHON

Marathon Story

Why was this marathon created?

The Tobacco Free Chennai Run was created to harness the power of sport and community action to address one of Chennai's most pressing public health challenges—tobacco and nicotine use and addiction. The marathon serves as a platform to unite citizens behind the vision of a Nicotine-Free Generation and a Tobacco-Free Chennai by 2030.

The event seeks to prevent tobacco and nicotine initiation among children and young people, raise awareness about tobacco as a gateway to addiction and other substance use and encourage greater public participation in tobacco control efforts.

The run raises funds and public support for programmes that protect children, empower youth and advance tobacco control across Chennai and beyond.

Vision

Towards a Tobacco-Free Chennai by 2030 and a Nicotine-Free Generation.

Mission & Objectives

A Chennai where every child grows up free from tobacco and nicotine, every educational institution is tobacco-free and every citizen actively contributes towards building a Nicotine-Free Generation and a Tobacco Free Chennai by 2030.

Purpose

The Tobacco Free Chennai Run is a city-wide movement organised by Tobacco Monitor that brings together citizens, youth, institutions and communities to advance the vision of a Nicotine-Free Generation and a Tobacco-Free Chennai by 2030.

Tobacco Monitor is a tobacco control network that unites individuals, professional associations, healthcare professionals, academic institutions, civil society groups and like-minded organisations working collectively to reduce tobacco use and promote a tobacco-free society.

It is an initiative of Mary Anne Charity Trust (MACT), a non-governmental organisation committed to public health advocacy and community well-being.

The run is being organised in collaboration with the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, the Indian Dental Association, Chennai Branch and the Madras School of Social Work, bringing together leading institutions in healthcare, education and social development to champion a healthier, tobacco-free future.

Key Objectives

• Unite 5,000+ citizens behind the vision of a Nicotine-Free Generation
• Build a city-wide movement for a Tobacco-Free Chennai by 2030.
• Draw public attention to tobacco use as a gateway to other forms of substance use and addiction
• Promote tobacco-free educational institutions across Chennai.
• Support Children-led initiatives such as Children Against Tobacco (CAT) and other community leadership programmes.
• Encourage citizens to report tobacco violations through the Tobacco Monitoring App and participate in community monitoring efforts.

Event Highlights

• A City-Wide Movement uniting citizens, students, families, healthcare professionals and organisations for a common cause.
• Towards a Nicotine-Free Generation by 2030 – supporting a shared vision for a healthier city.
• Championing a Tobacco-Free Chennai by 2030 through youth engagement and public participation.
• Awareness on the dangers of tobacco, nicotine products and their role as gateway substances to addiction.
• Showcasing MACT's Child-Led Tobacco Control Intervention Model through the active involvement of Children Against Tobacco (CAT) members and young advocates.

Why Participate ?

Whether you are a runner, walker, student, professional or family member, your participation helps create a healthier and tobacco-free future for all.

• Be part of a city-wide movement working towards a Nicotine-Free Generation and a Tobacco-Free Chennai by 2030.
• Your participation helps raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use and supports efforts to prevent addiction among young people.
• Contribute to a tobacco-free future by supporting tobacco-free schools, reporting violations and encouraging youth leadership.
• Funds raised through the event will help advance MACT's programmes in child rights, health promotion, community welfare and tobacco control.