“In the Name of Life” Charitable Marathon

Around 5,000 people joined a charitable forum-marathon in Tashkent which was organized by the Fund Forum and “In the Name of Life” National Breast Cancer Association. The proceeds from the charitable marathon, the first of its kind in Uzbekistan and a brainchild of Gulnara Karimova, went towards the purchase of medication for women diagnosed with breast cancer and organization of breast cancer diagnostic campaigns for women across the republic.

On the early morning of May 13, people started gathering on the intersection of Abdulla Qodiriy and Shakhrisabz streets to join the charitable marathon and make their own contribution to the support of women diagnosed with breast cancer. At the start point the participants could pose for photographers with pop stars and enjoy a scintillating concert on an improvised stage.

The 3-kilometer race consisted of three stages. Three winners were defined in each stage. Roughly 3,000 people participated in the race. Among them were celebrities, pop stars, actors and actresses, athletes, students, children, doctors, journalists, officials of organizations, ministries, international guests from Belgium, Singapore, Japan, USA, Switzerland, Norway as well as the general public who wished to support the campaign. In addition, many celebrities were joined by family members in the race. The campaign united all the participants irrespective of their age, gender and activities – each and everyone ran to save a life.

Another 2,000 people chose to participate as audience and, forming lines along the road, rooted for and cheered on the runners. Some joined the runners as excitement piled up and remaining on the sidelines was almost impossible. Therefore, Uzbek celebrities such as Rashid Halikov, Abdukhoshim Ismailov, Samandar, Raikhon, Jakhongir Poziljonov, Nilufar Usmanova, Otabek Mutalhojayev, Abduvali Rajabov, Makhmud Namozov and Shokhrukhon among others took an active part in the campaign: they ran, sang songs and hosted contests.

At the finish point the winners were given awards and diplomas while the rest of the participants got certificates and commemorative prizes. The awards ceremony was followed by a concert for the guests and participants. The marathon enabled the participants to contribute to efforts to tackle breast cancer as early detection and timely quality treatment, which require significant funds, are the most important in the fight with the spread and negative consequences of breast cancer.