Cyberabad Police Commissioner Dr M. Ramesh extend his support to this vital public health initiative
Hyderabad, 20 July 2026: Cure SMA Foundation of India, a parent-led registered non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), announced the 4th edition of Run for SMA 2026, scheduled to be held on 9 August 2026 at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad.
The event was formally launched at the Cyberabad Commissionerate in the presence of Dr. M. Ramesh, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad, who unveiled the official Run for SMA 2026 poster and run T-shirt and extended his support to this important public health awareness initiative.
The launch was attended by leading experts and dignitaries including Dr. Radha Rama Devi, Senior Geneticist and Pediatrician, Rainbow Children’s Hospital; Dr. Surya Prabha, Professor & Head, Department of Neurology, NIMS; Mr. Naved Alam Khan, CEO, Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC); Srilakshmi Nalam and Archana Panda, Co-founders of Cure SMA India; Vijay Vavilala from Microsoft; along with representatives from supporting organizations.
Addressing the media, Srilakshmi Nalam, Co-founder and Trustee of Cure SMA India, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, corporates, and patient advocacy organizations to build a sustainable healthcare ecosystem for people living with SMA in India. She highlighted that advanced treatment options are now available for SMA and urged the government to take proactive steps to make these treatments accessible to all patients who need them. She also stressed that prevention through genetic carrier screening, along with early diagnosis and increased awareness, is essential to reducing the burden of SMA in future generations.
Observed during Global SMA Awareness Month, Run for SMA is more than a marathon—it is a movement to create awareness, promote prevention, and stand in solidarity with families affected by SMA. The event features four categories: 21K Half Marathon (Timed), 10K Timed Run, 5K Timed Run, and 5K Non-Timed Fun Run/Walk. Participants will receive a Run T-shirt, finisher medal, certificate, breakfast, and free event photographs, while winners in the timed categories will receive attractive cash prizes.
For the first time, the event will also offer FREE SMA Genetic Carrier Screening at the venue. The screening, which typically costs around ₹5,000, requires only a single drop of blood and enables individuals to know their carrier status. This initiative aims to encourage informed family planning and highlight the importance of preventive healthcare.
The event is expected to bring together students, corporate employees, healthcare professionals, SMA families, runners, and members of the public, all united by a common purpose—to raise awareness about Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a rare inherited neuromuscular disorder that progressively weakens muscles, affecting movement, breathing, and quality of life.
The public is encouraged to participate in Run for SMA 2026 and become part of a movement that brings hope to families, promotes preventive healthcare, and works towards an SMA-free future.
Registrations are now open: https://ifinish.in/running/runforsma2026 (OR)
For more information call: 8885004858
