Jupiter Marathon Thane 2026: About 50 children with cerebral palsy will participate in a special run for cancer awareness

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

In a powerful display of courage and inclusion, about 50 children with cerebral palsy will take the lead in a special run at the Jupiter Marathon Thane 2026, running alongside nearly 100 cancer survivors who are participating to spread hope, resilience, and awareness. Their presence is to symbolise that battles may differ, but bravery unites us all.

Scheduled for January 4, the marathon - organised by Jupiter Hospital with the theme 'Let's Outrun Cancer' - is designed to transform public awareness into action. With cancer cases in India rising by nearly 15 per cent in the last five years, the marathon aims to break fear, encourage timely screenings, and highlight the power of early detection.

Flagging off at 5:30 am from Singhania School Ground in Thane, the marathon expects over 6,000 participants. Doctors from the hospital note that urban areas like Thane and Mumbai are seeing a steady rise in lifestyle-driven cancers, with breast cancer being the most common among women and head & neck cancers leading among men.

Despite the concerning numbers, experts emphasise that cancer outcomes can drastically improve with awareness. Delayed diagnosis due to stigma, hesitation, and misinformation remains a major barrier - something this marathon hopes to break.

Medical teams are using the platform to urge citizens to stay alert to potential warning signs like unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, lumps anywhere in the body, abnormal bleeding, non-healing sores, or changes in bowel habits.

Participants are expected from Thane and Mumbai, and neighbouring regions, including schools, corporate offices, fitness groups, senior citizens, and running clubs - ensuring a community-wide movement for change.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr Ajay P Thakker, who is the chairman and managing director of the hospital said, "The numbers are rising, but so is our ability to fight cancer - if we act early. The goal of the marathon is to convert awareness into screenings and screenings into saved lives."