Sunday’s run, flagged off at 6am, featured three categories: the Half Marathon of 21 km, the Pro run of 10 km), and the Dream Run of four km). |
Mumbai: Young and old members of the Dawoodi Bohra community were among the 7,000 participants from across Mumbai who took part in the HRX Juhu Half Marathon on Sunday, February 9.
The Dawoodi Bohras were there to promote their message about the harmful effects of excessive mobile phone usage among children and the importance of protecting their mental health.
The community has launched a global campaign to protect children from the mental and emotional dangers of excessive mobile phone usage.
Sunday’s run, flagged off at 6am, featured three categories: the Half Marathon of 21 km, the Pro run of 10 km), and the Dream Run of four km).
The run started from Jamnabai Narsee School Ground, covering Juhu Beach and returning to the starting point. The marathon, endorsed by actor Hrithik Roshan, was organised by the Get Fit Thru Sports Foundation and the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport.
A pavilion was set up to promote mental well-being, supported by Burhani Sports, the Dawoodi Bohra community’s platform dedicated to fostering sports, physical fitness, and athlete development across all age groups and genders.
Taikhoom Mohiyuddin, nephew of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin and Director of Burhani Sports, who was present at the marathon, emphasised the community’s commitment to holistic well-being.
“As a community, we firmly believe that well-being is not just a personal endeavour but a collective responsibility. Our faith teaches us that it is important to take care of the body as it is essential for our spiritual well being, and sports events like these align perfectly with that ethos—promoting fitness, discipline, and a spirit of unity,” said Mohiyuddin.
“Our theme this year is ‘Run for the Mind,’ reflecting our global movement to raise awareness about the negative impact of excessive screen time on children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.”
Atul Parekh, organiser of the Juhu Half Marathon, said, “The surplus from this event, received by the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport, goes towards providing free pediatric heart surgeries for children in need. Our event motto, ‘Keep Your Heart Fit, Let Another Heart Beat,’ reflects this mission—encouraging fitness while also saving lives.”
The campaign by Dawoodi Bohras to protect children from excessive mobile phone use draws attention to the concerns about the negative impact of mobile phones and screen time on the mental, physical, and emotional health of children.
