Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister P. Mathan Raja on Friday flagged off a ‘Start Run, Stop Drugs’ awareness marathon in Thoothukudi, marking the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

After inaugurating the marathon, Mr. Mathan Raja said that the initiative had been undertaken to make Tamil Nadu a drug-free State.

He also flagged off an awareness campaign vehicle against drug abuse, and launched a signature campaign to create public awareness.

The marathon commenced from the Thoothukudi district sports complex and passed via George Road, Bell Hotel Corner, Roche Park and Beach Road railway gate before returning to the starting point along the same route.

Thoothukudi District Collector Vishu Mahajan, District Revenue Officer M. Gruruchandran, Thoothukudi Corporation Commissioner S. Priyanka and other officials were present.

Kanniyakumari

In Kanniyakumari District, Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar flagged off the awareness marathon at Anna Stadium in Nagercoil.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar ran the distance of five km along with the participants and said, “Today’s youth are pillars of the country. They should not get caught in the toxic grip of drugs and ruin their future.”

Highlighting that sports and running keeps body and mind healthy and active, he exhorted that the entire society particularly students and youths should join hands to achieve the goal of ‘Drug-Free Tamil Nadu.’

Earlier Mr. Rajesh Kumar, under the leadership of Kanniyakumari District Collector M. Prathap took a pledge against drug addiction and launched an awareness signature campaign.

The marathon began at Anna Stadium, passed through Tower junction, Veppamoodu, Court Road, WCC College and Vasantham Hospital, before finishing at the same starting point.