On Saturday night, Sep 20, the Udupi Runners Club joined forces with the Udupi Police Department to stage the URC Night Run‑2026, a public event aimed at promoting a drug‑free lifestyle among the city's youth.
More than 350 participants, ranging from seasoned athletes to casual joggers, gathered from Udupi, Mangaluru, Kundapura and Kumta. The runners assembled under the banner “Drug‑Free Udupi” and used the occasion to spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
Key dignitaries attended the start line, including Udupi MLA and honorary president of the club, Yashpal Suvarna, Karkala sub‑division Assistant Superintendent of Police Ishita Gupta, Udupi Additional Deputy Commissioner Abid Gadyal, Dr. Roshan Kumar Shetty, assistant director of the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, Hariprasad Rai, president of the Udupi District Athletic Association, and Rajesh Hegde, chief executive officer of the Udupi Industrial Co‑operative Society.
Club president Satish Salyan and secretary Lancy Mendonsa coordinated the run, ensuring smooth logistics and safety measures. Throughout the night, volunteers handed out pamphlets and banners that reinforced the message that every citizen must take a firm stand against drugs to safeguard the future of young people.
At the climax of the event, Assistant Superintendent Ishita Gupta led a public pledge titled “Drug‑Free Udupi.” Runners and onlookers alike placed their hands on a symbolic board, promising to reject drug use and support peers in choosing healthy, constructive goals.
The gathering concluded with a collective affirmation that community support is essential for steering youth away from addiction. Organisers hope that the momentum generated by the night run will translate into long‑term behavioral change across the coastal region.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi