CM Joseph Vijay Flags Off Anti-Drug Marathon, Runs With Participants for 6 Km

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday actively ran a 6 km anti-drug marathon with thousands of participants, breaking away from the traditional role of merely flagging off the event or performing a brief ceremonial run. 

The 52-year-old Vijay, clad in athletic gear, completed the entire 6 km run continuously at Chennai's Marina Beach, making history as the first sitting Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to run such a distance with the public for a social cause, an official said.

Though former chief ministers are



known for their fitness, especially practicing yoga, walking, jogging, or working out in gym, this is the first time a sitting CM joined the participants, mostly students and youth, and completed the full course, the official said. 

Earlier, Vijay officially flagged off the "Start Run, Stop Drugs" awareness marathon and administered a pledge to the participants. 

Before anyone could realise, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder, got down from the stage and started running amidst loud cheering by the enthusiastic participants.