Belagavi: As part of the ‘Sashakta Karnataka’ (Empowered Karnataka) initiative—announced in the state govt’s 2026-27 budget—a national-level run is being organised across four major locations in the state, including Belagavi. The run was flagged off on Sunday within the premises of the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.The run was organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, National Service Scheme (NSS), and the department of youth empowerment and sports, in collaboration with JJ Active, Bengaluru.Flagging off the event, DC Mohammad Roshan said that the objective of the run is to build an “empowered Karnataka” through health and social harmony. He remarked that by participating together—transcending barriers of caste, religion, and social divisions—the participants have conveyed a positive message to society, setting an exemplary precedent.Naveen Raj Singh, principal secretary of the department of youth empowerment and sports, noted that the national-level run is being held in four key locations across the state under the “Sashakta Karnataka” programme announced in the 2026-27 budget.He urged the public to participate in these runs in large numbers and join hands in the mission to build an “Empowered Karnataka.”The event featured 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km (half-marathon) races. The route began at the Suvarna Soudha, passed by the Belagavi Fort, and concluded back in front of the Suvarna Soudha.He further mentioned that upcoming events will include a run at the world-renowned site of Hampi, a ‘Fort Run’ in Chitradurga, and a ‘Coastal Run’ in Gokarna. He added that the Belagavi event saw participation not only from children and youth but also from senior citizens.
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