The official T-shirt for the fifth edition of Chargebee Chennai Runs 2026, an initiative by Madras Round Table 1 (MRT1), was unveiled by actor Suriya, marking the countdown to the annual fundraising run scheduled for November 1, 2026. The event will bring together Chennai’s running community in support of SPASTN’s RCIET initiative, which focuses on inclusive education and rehabilitation for children with disabilities.
The initiative aims to create an inclusive ecosystem that brings together education, rehabilitation and family support. The proposed facility at the SPASTN campus in Taramani will include inclusive classrooms, a resource library for educators, counselling facilities, accessible toilets, ramps and an inclusive courtyard. Four classrooms are planned as part of the facility, alongside spaces designed to support children, families, educators and caregivers.
The project is expected to support more than 50 children with multiple disabilities and over 200 children with intellectual disabilities through integrated services. It will also support the training of 20 teacher trainees each year and the upskilling of more than 100 educators and staff.
Speaking at the T-shirt unveiling, Actor Suriya said, “It is wonderful to see Chennai Runs bring people together through the spirit of running while supporting a meaningful cause. The focus on inclusive education and rehabilitation for children with disabilities makes this initiative especially significant. I am happy to be part of the T-shirt unveiling and wish MRT1 and everyone participating in Chennai Runs 2026 the very best.”
Mr. Shray Rattha, Chairman, MRT1, said, “The unveiling of the Chennai Runs T-shirt marks an important step towards the fifth edition of the run and the cause we are supporting this year. Chennai Runs brings people together through sport while helping create meaningful impact in the community. Through our support for SPASTN’s RCIET initiative, we hope to contribute towards building more inclusive spaces for children with disabilities, while strengthening education and rehabilitation. We look forward to seeing the city come together once again for this cause.”
Chennai Runs 2026 will feature 3 km, 5 km, 10 km and half marathon categories, along with an Inclusive Run, bringing together participants across the city in support of the initiative. The run will take participants through Marina Beach.
MRT1’s work across education, healthcare and community development builds on several years of on-ground initiatives. In 2023, MRT1 supported cancer screening, treatment and post-treatment care, an ambulance for Blue Cross of India and sensory parks serving children with special needs.
In 2024, MRT1 committed Rs. 1.85 crore towards the construction of a new building for Sri Arunodhayam Charitable Trust. It also supported the creation of sensory parks at Sri Arunodhayam, Balavihar Kilpauk through the Guild of Service and the Hope Vocational Training Center in Thiruvallur. During the same year, MRT1 supported healthcare equipment for Sringeri Sharada Equitas Hospital, education kits for children supported by The Banyan and relief provisions for families affected by floods.
Between 2024 and 2026, MRT1 contributed Rs. 2 crore towards the MMA Pallavaram School, where it built and completed Phase One with 12 classrooms and Phase Two with four classrooms. MRT1 is currently undertaking the construction of a new block at Hasthinapuram Government School, comprising eight classrooms, as part of a project being undertaken during 2026–2027 with a total project cost of Rs. 1.8 crore.