Health enthusiasts turn out in thousands for Raipur walkathon

RAIPUR: Thousands of fitness and health enthusiasts flooded the streets of Raipur on Saturday morning, turning the city into a celebration of wellness, unity, and active living. The 14th edition of the annual Walkathon drew participants of all ages—from three to 70 years—who came together with a shared pledge: to walk their way to a healthier life. The event began early at Shahid Bhagat Singh Chowk and featured expert talks on the benefits of regular walking. Medical professionals highlighted that walking strengthens the heart, helps regulate blood pressure and sugar levels, lowers stress, and reduces the risk of heart-related ailments. Adding excitement to the morning was a high-energy Zumba session led by a professional instructor that brought cheers to the crowd. Participants also took a Swachh Bharat Mission pledge, vowing to keep their surroundings and homes clean and hygienic.Health experts advised that in today’s largely sedentary lifestyle, the traditional target of 10,000 steps per day may be insufficient, recommending a goal of 14,000 steps daily for optimal health. Residents expressed their enthusiasm for the event. “Joining the Walkathon was an amazing experience! It’s inspiring to see so many people of all ages prioritizing heart health and fitness,” said a participant. Organisers ensured smooth execution of the event, with full support from Raipur Police, Raipur Traffic Police, and the Municipal Corporation for crowd management and security. Creative initiatives, including sachets with health reminders, engaged participants and encouraged regular heart check-ups.