Actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra, along with Mumbai Mayor Snehal Ambekar on Sunday flagged off a marathon here aimed at inculcating healthy habits in children so that they can go on to live a life without cardiovascular diseases.

Mumbai-based Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital, in association with Shri Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple trust, organised the third edition of the Â`Little Hearts MarathonÂ` from Nardulla Tank, Siddhivinayak temple to Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital.

Addressing the over 1,500 parents and children who participated in the event, Ambekar noted that Â`It is focused on the cause of preventing cardiac diseases in children and encouraging them to live a healthy and happy life. Little Hearts Marathon is a special event of awareness for Mumbai city.Â`

"As a mother I am happy to support this noble cause in spreading the Awareness of Prevention of Cardiac diseases in Children. I congratulate Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children and Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Trust for having this endeavour on such a big platform,Â` Shilpa Shetty said.

The event was also attended by Ness Wadia, managing director, Wadia Group, Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO Wadia Hospitals, and officials of Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust, among other dignitaries.