On September 6, 2026, Annamalaikottai in Sivagiri, Erode, came alive from the early hours of the morning as thousands of people gathered for the fourth edition of the Kanavu Cross Country Run. With more than 7,000 participants and nearly 10,000 people gathered at the venue, the event brought together people of all ages for a morning filled with running, celebration and community spirit.
The celebrations had already begun on September 5 with Kanavuthadam, where around 50 children from Sai Kirupa School took part in the run. The evening continued with prize and medal distribution, a waste management awareness session and a discussion programme. The gathering later moved into a festive mood with a dance performance by twin sisters from Kerala and a traditional Valli Gummi performance.
By Sunday morning, the excitement had grown even further. People arrived with their friends and families, and the venue slowly filled with runners and spectators. Music, drums and performances added to the anticipation as everyone waited for the event to begin.
The morning officially opened with Tamil Thai Vaazhthu and the National Anthem, followed by the flag hoisting. The occasion was graced by several distinguished guests, including Former Superintendent of Police and TNPSC Member Thiru Rathna Sabapathy, MP Thiru K.E. Prakash and Erode District Collector Thiru S. Kandasamy. Other respected guests and community representatives also joined the ceremony.
The guests actively took part in the programme, encouraging the participants and sharing their words with the gathering. Thiru Rathna Sabapathy delivered the welcome address, while other distinguished guests also addressed the gathering. A blessing was offered by Aadhisiththan Vijay Swamiji, adding a meaningful start to the morning.
The races then began with the 10 km run, followed by the 5 km, 3 km, 1.5 km and 1.5 km Fun Run. Distinguished guests, representatives from educational institutions and members of the community came together at the starting points to encourage the runners and mark the beginning of each race.
The morning was not only about running. The venue was filled with energy through music, cultural performances, the twin sisters’ dance and a Zumba session. Mr. Karthi Easwaramoorthy, Founder of Kanavu Marathon and Kanavu Startup Village, addressed the gathering.
As the races came to an end, the focus shifted to celebrating the participants and winners. Distinguished guests and representatives came together to honour the winners and celebrate their achievements.
What stood out throughout the morning was the sense of togetherness. Families came to support their loved ones, friends ran alongside one another, and people gathered around the course to cheer for the participants. The atmosphere made the event feel like a celebration shared by the entire community.
With more than 7,000 runners and nearly 10,000 people gathered, the fourth edition showed how much the Kanavu Cross Country Run has grown. It brought together sport, culture, awareness and community spirit, with running at the heart of it all.
As the event came to a close with the vote of thanks and the National Anthem, the morning left behind more than just race results. It left behind the memory of thousands of people coming together, cheering one another on and sharing the same experience at Annamalaikottai.
The Kanavu Cross Country Run – Edition 4 was, in the end, not just a race. It was a celebration of people, participation and togetherness—and a day that will be remembered by everyone who was there.