Run For Little Hearts Marathon Draws Over 3,500 Runners in Coimbatore

The fourth edition of the “Run for Little Hearts” marathon, organised by G. Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital in association with
LMW, was held at
Mani Higher Secondary School, Papanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore, on Sunday to raise awareness and support for children with congenital heart defects and childhood cancers.
The event, held ahead of World Heart Day on September 29 and during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, began at 5.30 a.m. More than 3,500 runners from Coimbatore and the Kongu region participated.
The marathon was flagged off by R. Gokulakrishnan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore City, along with Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy, Chief Executive Officer, GKNM Hospital, and Shanthi Srinivasan, Managing Director, Premier Fine Linens, in the presence of senior doctors from GKNM Hospital.
Children who had survived congenital heart defects and childhood cancers after treatment at GKNM Hospital,
along with their family members, also participated in the run.
The event featured 1-km and 3-km fun runs for families and survivors, besides 5-km and 10-km competitive categories.
The event was recognised and approved by the Coimbatore District Athletic Association. Winners in the 5-km
and 10-km categories received trophies, certificates and cash prizes totalling Rs.80,000.
Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy said 42 children benefited from funds raised during the third edition held in 2025.
He said GKNM Hospital provides paediatric cardiac care and paediatric oncology services, with many economically weaker families receiving free treatment with support from CSR partners.
The event was supported by LMW, Lakshmi Card Clothing, Blue Dahlia, Premier Fine Linens, Lakshmi Mills Co. Ltd., Lakshmi Energy & Environment Designs Pvt Ltd, Precot and Sodexo.
Dr. Manoharan, Chief Medical Officer, GKNM Hospital, and Dr. Sundararajan, Resident Medical Officer, GKNM Hospital, were also present.