Nearly 2,500 women ran the mini marathon today in support of creating awareness about women’s health. Organised by Gem Hospital, this is a prelude to the health expo to be held January 28 to 30.

“The aim of the health expo is to create awareness about women’s health, cancer that affects women, women-related diseases and child birth related problems that women may encounter,” Dr. C. Palanivelu, Chairman, Gem Hospitals, said.

School and college students and women had a choice to do the five-kilometre / seven- kilometre run / 11- kilometre run, and there was a special category of one-and-a-half- kilometre run. Patients of Gem Hospital and women who recently underwent surgery participated in this special category.

All the categories were flagged off from the hospital premises. Former athlete, Shiny Wilson flagged off one of the categories. Prior to the flagging off she emphasised the need for women to stay fit and healthy.

“Just nine months after I delivered my child, I participated in the Asian Games representing the nation and I won. One of the reasons why I managed to win a medal for the country is because I was fit and healthy. For all women staying fit and healthy must be priority. It is not difficult to keep our body in shape and healthy,” Shiny said.

Before flagging off one of the categories Coimbatore District Collector, Archana Patnaik said: “Mini marathon is a nice initiative to spread awareness about health among women. I wish I could also run with the other women today. Next time I will try and participate, she said.

There was a march-past by the women contingent of the Rapid Action Force and the participants of the marathon also participated in a session of aerobics.

The three-day health expo will also include medical camps and will be held at the hospital premises. Entry is free.