Mangaluru, February 27, 2025: The first-ever edition of Racefor7 in Mangaluru concluded on a successful note, bringing together over 400 participants from across the city in a collective effort to raise awareness about rare diseases. Organized by the Organization for Rare Diseases India (ORDI) in collaboration with Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) and Arunya Foundation, the event took place at Yendurance Sports Zone on Sunday, marking an important milestone for the rare disease community in Dakshina Kannada.

Strong participation from across Mangaluru

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a diverse set of attendees, including:

  • Doctors and healthcare professionals
  • Police personnel and Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) officers
  • Media representatives
  • Students and faculty members from various educational institutions

The event was flagged off by prominent personalities, including:

  • Geetha Kulkarni, ACP CCB, Mangaluru City Police
  • Dr. Ashwini S Shetty, Director, Directorate of Extension and Outreach Activities, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
  • Mr. Muhammed Sabith, Deputy Operations Officer, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital
  • Mr. Vijayanand Shetty, Senior Marketing Executive, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital
  • Vikram K, Managing Trustee, Arunya Foundation

7K and 10K races mark the event

Participants actively engaged in the signature 7K run, with some opting for an extended 10K challenge. The Mangaluru City Traffic Police ensured a zero-traffic lane for the runners, enabling a smooth and safe running experience.

The day began with a lively Zumba warm-up session led by Namratha Shekar, Zumba Coach at Zeus Fitness Club, setting an energetic tone for the race. The flag-off ceremony followed at 6:30 AM.

Recognising participants and volunteers

After the successful completion of the run, all participants received finisher medals, presented by:

  • Srinivasa Pejathaya, Secretary, Arunya Foundation
  • Nayana Shetty, Race Director

Medical and community leaders support the cause

Several prominent personalities from Mangaluru’s medical community took part in the event, including:

  • Dr. Santosh Rai, Radiologist at KMC Mangaluru (MAHE)
  • Chandrashekhar Shetty, Senior Engineer, AIR Mangaluru
  • Dr. Shwetha Kamath, who previously organised the world’s first fashion show for rare diseases in Mangaluru

These respected professionals ran alongside dedicated members of the Mangaluru Runners Club, reinforcing community solidarity for rare disease awareness.

Expert talks highlight rare disease challenges

In addition to the run, the event featured awareness addresses by:

  • Dr. Anupama Rao, Additional Professor, Yenepoya Dental College
  • Dr. Sharath Balemane, Associate Professor, Yenepoya Medical College

Both speakers highlighted the pressing need for increased awareness, early diagnosis, and better patient care for individuals affected by rare diseases.

Logistical support and community collaboration

The smooth execution of Racefor7 was made possible by the dedicated efforts of 15 bikers from Tulunad Bikers, who provided escort services along the race route, ensuring safety for participants.

Additionally, NSS volunteers from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) played a vital role in managing event logistics, assisting with registrations, refreshments, and crowd coordination.

The Mangaluru City Police offered critical traffic clearance and on-ground support, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all attendees.

Symbolic significance of Racefor7

Racefor7 derives its name from the 7,000 known rare diseases, which affect over 70 million people in India. Since its inception in 2016, the event has evolved into a nationwide movement, aiming to:

  • Raise awareness about rare diseases
  • Advocate for policy changes and funding support
  • Build public empathy for rare disease patients and families

The successful debut of Racefor7 in Mangaluru reflects the city’s growing commitment to championing rare disease advocacy and fostering a more inclusive healthcare landscape.

About the Organisers

Organization for Rare Diseases India (ORDI)

ORDI is a patient-centric non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals living with rare diseases in India. Through advocacy campaigns, awareness initiatives, patient support programmes, and events like Racefor7, ORDI aims to build a sustainable ecosystem for rare disease treatment, research, and policy development.

Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)

Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) is a NAAC A+ accredited institution, renowned for academic excellence across medical, dental, and allied health sciences education. Spread across five campuses in Coastal Karnataka, it offers world-class education and infrastructure in:

  • Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Physiotherapy
  • Allied Health Sciences, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy
  • Engineering, Commerce, Management, Arts, and Social Sciences

Ranked 95th in India by NIRF 2024, Yenepoya Dental College also secured the 26th rank among the country’s top dental institutions. The university’s commitment to sustainability has earned recognition from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH), which featured Yenepoya’s sustainability and green initiatives in its Guidebook for Climate Action and Sustainability in Healthcare.

Conclusion

With the successful completion of Racefor7’s inaugural edition in Mangaluru, the city has taken a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and empathetic society for rare disease patients. The collaboration between ORDI, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), and Arunya Foundation, supported by volunteers, police, medical professionals, and local enthusiasts, showcases the power of collective action in addressing healthcare challenges and advocating for policy reforms.