Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Vijay flagged off and participated in a "Start Run, Stop Drugs" awareness marathon in Chennai on June 26 [1].

The event serves as a public effort to combat substance abuse by targeting young people and promoting healthy lifestyles through athletic activity.

The marathon coincided with the International Day Against Drug Abuse [2]. Chief Minister Vijay ran a distance of six kilometers [2] to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug use and to encourage the development of a drug-free society [1].

Thousands of participants joined the initiative [1]. The event focused on inspiring the youth to reject narcotics and adopt wellness-oriented habits, a move intended to reduce the prevalence of addiction within the state.

By participating in the run himself, the chief minister aimed to lead by example. The "Start Run, Stop Drugs" campaign utilized the visibility of the marathon to highlight the social and physical risks associated with drug abuse [1].

Organizers coordinated the event to align with global observations of the International Day Against Drug Abuse, linking the local Chennai effort to a broader international movement against narcotics [2].

“Chief Minister Vijay ran a distance of six kilometers to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug use.”

The participation of a high-ranking official like the Chief Minister in a public health marathon signals a strategic shift toward preventative, community-based interventions in Tamil Nadu. By aligning the event with the International Day Against Drug Abuse, the state government is integrating local public health goals with global standards to address the rising challenge of youth substance abuse.