Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Joins 3-km Marina Run to Champion Anti-Drug Drive - Watch

Dressed in a tracksuit, trainers and sunglasses, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay took part in the three-kilometre run wearing a T-shirt carrying the slogan "Start Run, Stop Drugs" on Friday. The event saw an overwhelming response, with students, sportspersons, volunteers and members of the public turning up in large numbers.

Before flagging off the event, the Chief Minister penned the slogan "Sporta Edu, Drugs Vidu" (Take up sports, give up drugs) on an awareness board. Ministers and senior officials present at the venue also signed the board, expressing their support for the state's campaign against narcotics.

Vijay then administered an anti-drug pledge, urging people to stay away from substance abuse and help others do the same.

The pledge read: "I am fully aware. I will not fall victim to drug addiction; furthermore, I will prevent my family members and friends from falling victim to drug addiction and will offer them counsel. I will dedicate myself to rescuing those who have fallen into drug addiction and guide them towards the right path. I wholeheartedly pledge to support the government in eradicating drugs from Tamil Nadu by opposing their production, consumption and distribution, and contribute to the state's progress and the well-being of its people."

"Im only 18 and Im losing my breath, but at 52, he is running so effortlessly.
Never seen a Chief Minister run in a marathon like this before." 🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/xCE1b2eEki

— George 🍿🎥 (@georgeviews) June 26, 2026

Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna took part in the event along with several other ministers.

"Im only 18 and Im losing my breath, but at 52, he is running so effortlessly.
Never seen a Chief Minister run in a marathon like this before." 🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/xCE1b2eEki

— George 🍿🎥 (@georgeviews) June 26, 2026

Speaking at the occasion, Arjuna praised Vijay's enthusiasm and fitness. Claiming that no Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu-or elsewhere in India-had previously completed a full three-kilometre awareness run, he said Vijay had reached the venue as early as 6.10 am after waking up at 5 am.

Running for over 30 minutes straight at the age of 52 shows @CMOTamilnadus peak fitness. This kind of stamina doesnt happen overnight - it comes from years of strict discipline, a clean diet, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Even at his age, CM Thalapathy Vijay would easily… pic.twitter.com/I5bkUVrZf9

— George 🍿🎥 (@georgeviews) June 26, 2026

"I'm just 18 and already losing my breath, but at 52, he is running effortlessly. I've never seen a Chief Minister participate in a marathon like this," Arjuna remarked.

On Thursday, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister unveiled anti-drug anthem, an initiative aimed at encouraging young people to reject substance abuse and embrace sports and healthy living.

The anti-drug pledge taken by Tamil Nadu CM Thalapathy Vijay today:

"I am fully aware. I will not fall victim to drug addiction; furthermore, I will prevent my family members and friends from falling victim to drug addiction and will offer them counsel; I will fully dedicate my… pic.twitter.com/lMQxfhH0NL

— George 🍿🎥 (@georgeviews) June 26, 2026

The fight against narcotics has emerged as one of the flagship priorities of the ruling TVK government. Vijay has repeatedly maintained that eliminating drugs is essential to improving law and order and protecting young people. During his recent reply to the Governor's Address in the Assembly, he accused the previous administration of failing to prevent the widespread circulation of narcotics across the state.

Visuals of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay spearheading the "Start Run, Stop Drugs" awareness campaign marathon at Chennais Marina Beach earlier today. 👌

This is something no CM ever did against the drug menace. ❤ pic.twitter.com/pIO3dqs75W

— George 🍿🎥 (@georgeviews) June 26, 2026

The Marina Beach run formed part of statewide programmes organised to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse, with the government using sport as a platform to reinforce its message that a healthy lifestyle is the strongest defence against addiction.