VGM Hospital, in association with Kovai Athletic Club, organised the sixth edition of the Run for Nation Marathon on Sunday at the VOC Grounds in Coimbatore, with the social message ‘Say No to Drugs’ and the medical message ‘Save Your Knee’.
More than 4,700 participants, ranging in age from 8 to 85 years, took part in the marathon across various categories. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from runners, students, parents, volunteers, representatives of various organisations and members of the public.
The marathon was flagged off by Dr. V.G. Mohan Prasad, Chairman, VGM Hospital and Chairman of the Run for Nation Marathon, in the presence of Dr. Suman, Sports Injury Specialist, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Medical Director; Dr. Madhura Prasad, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist, VGM Hospital; Dr. Vamsi, Gastroenterologist; Dr. Mithra, Hepatologist; Dr. Gokul; heads of Rotary, Inner Wheel and Lions Clubs; representatives of Young Indians and Round Table; correspondents and principals of 11 colleges; and other dignitaries.
Dr. V.G. Mohan Prasad said, “This marathon focuses on three important areas — sports, education and health — with the aim of contributing to the overall well-being of students and citizens.
“As part of our social responsibility initiatives, we are happy to have supported 10 athletes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by providing them with surgeries through the Orthopaedic and Sports Injury team at VGM Hospital.
“These athletes were supported by the Kasturi Amma Seva Foundation, led by philanthropist Vigneshprabhu. In addition, 10 free laptops were sponsored by Nanda, Managing Director, Satish, Director, and the team at Kovaion IT, and were donated to SKP Aided School in Udumalpet.”
Srinivasan, Secretary, Kovai Athletic Club and Secretary of the Run for Nation 2026 Marathon, said, “With a strong sense of social responsibility, the funds raised through the marathon will be utilised for the betterment of Corporation school children from more than 25 schools.
“We plan to provide them with shoes and sports uniforms while also encouraging and nurturing their interest in sports. We also provide free registration for more than 200 Corporation school children to participate in the marathon.”
As part of the awareness initiative, a medical team comprising 11 specialists, led by Dr. Suman, visited more than 100 organisations, industries, schools and colleges over the past three months to create awareness about health, with a special focus on knee health.
Winners of the marathon across various categories for men, women and children in different age groups were awarded cash prizes totalling more than ₹2 lakh.
Rtn. Dr. Suman, Chairman – Health, Young Indians; President, Kovai Athletic Club; and Vice-President of the Run for Nation Marathon, said, “Last year, the Run for Nation Marathon attracted around 4,350 runners, along with a large number of volunteers, at Nehru Stadium.
“The marathon was officially recognised by the Coimbatore District Athletic Association (CDAA) as the second-largest marathon in Coimbatore district for two consecutive years, which is a proud moment for us. This year, the marathon witnessed encouraging participation from around 4,700 runners.”
As part of the ‘Say No to Drugs’ campaign, more than 7,000 runners, participants, heads of organisations, volunteers, parents and students took a drug-awareness pledge during the event.
