Hyderabad, October 11, 2026: More than 35,000 Runners including 300 Cancer Survivors, the biggest ever cancer survivors to participate in any Cancer Run participated in the 9th Edition of Quambiant Global Grace Cancer Run 2026 powered by Evernorth Health Services held on Sunday at Gachibowli Stadium.
The participation of approximately 300 cancer survivors was a major highlight, creating a powerful collective statement of hope, courage and resilience. Organised by Hyderabad-based Grace Cancer Foundation under the theme “Run for Grace. Screen for Life,” the event continues to strengthen public awareness about cancer prevention and the importance of timely diagnosis.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who could not attend the event due to prior engagements, sent a letter conveying his message to the participants. Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli, Founder and Global CEO of Grace Cancer Foundation and Senior Consultant Robotic Surgical Oncologist, read the letter to the gathering.
In his message, the Chief Minister commended the work of Grace Cancer Foundation and appreciated the services rendered by Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli. He emphasised the importance of early detection and observed that initiatives such as the Global Grace Cancer Run strengthen public awareness about cancer.
The winners of the men’s and women’s 10K categories received cash prizes of ₹25,000, ₹15,000 and ₹10,000 for the first, second and third places, respectively. The prizes were presented by Telangana Minister D. Sridhar Babu, MP Mallu Ravi and film actress Anaswara Rajan.
In the men’s 10K category, Mukesh Bhambhu secured first place, followed by Rohit Binnar in second place and Nikhar Bhalavi in third place.
In the women’s 10K category, Uma Marripally won first place, while Rajeshwari secured second place and Kalyani finished third.
Speaking after the distribution of prizes to the winners of the 10K run, Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Minister in the Telangana Government, said that participation in the run could help save lives, as the funds raised would support free cancer screening.
He said the initiative also created greater public awareness about the disease. While politicians contribute to social change through their responsibilities in public life, Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli and the participants were fulfilling their social responsibility by supporting a cause that could benefit thousands of people.
The Minister observed that the willingness of so many people to participate despite it being a Sunday, when many prefer to remain at home, reflected their commitment to society. He added that the participation of more than 35,000 runners was a reflection of Hyderabad’s civic spirit and social consciousness.
Shri Mallu Ravi, Member of Parliament and a cancer survivor, shared his personal experience with the disease. He said he was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, underwent treatment in the United States and had since recovered.
Emphasising the importance of early diagnosis, he said that cancer can be treated successfully when detected early. He also highlighted the emotional toll of the disease, observing that its impact extends beyond physical health and can undermine a patient’s hope.
His message underscored the importance of awareness, timely medical intervention and emotional support for patients and their families.
Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli announced that Grace Cancer Foundation would undertake cancer screening initiatives in the constituencies represented by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Minister D. Sridhar Babu. Following a request from MP Mallu Ravi, the Foundation also agreed to include Nagar Kurnool, his constituency, in the proposed initiative.
Dr. Chinnababu also announced that Grace Cancer Foundation is listed on the Social Stock Exchange, marking an important development in its efforts to advance its social-impact mission.
Film actress Anaswara Rajan urged people to give priority to their health rather than allowing daily chores and other commitments to take precedence. Her message reinforced the importance of preventive healthcare, healthy living and regular medical check-ups.
Among the distinguished guests were Shri V.C. Sajjanar, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad; Dr. Ramesh Masthipuram, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad; Ms. Srijana Gummalla, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Cyberabad Municipal Corporation; Ms. Laura Williams, U.S. Consul General in Hyderabad; Ms. Saina Nehwal, Olympic bronze medallist and Indian badminton player
Other prominent participants included Ministers Mr. Yogendranath Reddy Bommu, Founder and Managing Director, Quambiant Developers and title sponsor of the run; Mr. Kalyan Thota, Senior Director, Finance Operations, Evernorth Health Services; Mr. Ramesh Kaza, Executive Vice President and Country Head, LPL Financial; Shri Sunpreet Singh, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Cyberabad Commissionerate; Shri Arekapudi Gandhi, MLA representing Serilingampally; and Mr. Lakshmi Narayana Dronamraju, Founder and CEO of EQUIPPPP.
The dignitaries participated in and supported the various flag-off ceremonies, lending their support to the cancer awareness movement.
As a curtain-raiser to the main event, Grace Cancer Foundation organised “Hope of Light” at Gachibowli Stadium on Saturday night a night before the event. Around 300 participants took part in the initiative, which featured the release of illuminated lanterns as a symbolic tribute to lives lost to cancer, a celebration of survivors and a message of solidarity with patients undergoing treatment.
Mr. Avinash Mohanty, Commissioner of the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE), was associated with the event.
Funds raised through the Global Grace Cancer Run will support free cancer screening for underprivileged communities. Through its mobile screening initiatives, Grace Cancer Foundation aims to reach one lakh people with free screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), bringing preventive healthcare services closer to rural communities.
Over the past 13 years, the Foundation reports that its initiatives have reached approximately 1.5 crore people across more than 130 countries. Its work encompasses cancer awareness, preventive healthcare, early detection, treatment support, rehabilitation and research.
The Foundation has trained 4,500 volunteers, organised more than 3,000 events and reached over 870 villages. Its initiatives have facilitated the detection of cancer in 1,983 individuals and provided more than 2,313 free HPV vaccine doses to underprivileged beneficiaries.
LPL Financial was the Global Social Impact Partner for the 2026 edition, while Evernorth Health Services powered the event.
The 9th Edition of the Global Grace Cancer Run reaffirmed the importance of collective action in the fight against cancer, with its central message that early detection saves lives, awareness empowers communities and access to screening can make a meaningful difference.
Score:
Men’s 10K Category
1st Place: Mukesh Bhambhu – 30:25 (Chip Time)
2nd Place: Rohit Binnar – 30:33 (Chip Time)
3rd Place: Nikhar Bhalavi – 31:43 (Chip Time)
Women’s 10K Category
1st Place: Uma Marripally – 39:42 (Chip Time)
2nd Place: Rajeshwari – 41:53 (Chip Time)
3rd Place: Kalyani – 45:23 (Chip Time)
Prize Money (Both Categories)
1st Place: ₹25,000
2nd Place: ₹15,000
3rd Place: ₹10,000
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