The Rotary Club of Coimbatore, under Rotary International District 3206, in association with the Coimbatore District Athletic Association, the Indian Medical Association (Coimbatore branch), and SPT Hospitals, jointly conducted the third edition of the Pulse Heartathon on 21st September 2025.
This 5-km awareness run was aimed at promoting cardiac health among the youth. The event began at SPT Hospitals and followed a route through Ramnagar, Nehru Street, Dr. Nanjappa Road, ATT Colony, and Balasundaram Road, before returning through ATT Colony and concluding with a valedictory function at Nehru Stadium.
The run was flagged off by Senthil Kumar, Commandant of TSP 4th Battalion, and Ashok Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, in the presence of Rtn. AKS Muruganandam, Rotary International Director, who served as the chief guest. Rtn. Chella Raghavendran, District Governor, and Dr. Madheswaran, President of the Indian Medical Association, Coimbatore branch, were also present at the flag-off ceremony.
Around 1,200 participants, including members of the public and students, took part in the Pulse Heartathon. As part of the event, cardiac awareness sessions were held, led by Rtn. Dr. Subburaja, an interventional cardiologist. He coordinated the event along with Rtn. Gurpeet Singh, Event Chairman; Rtn. Godwin, Event Secretary; Rtn. Chitra Manohar, Host Club President; and Rtn. Dr. Nagarajan, District Chair – Heart Care.
During the session, Dr. Subburaja highlighted the alarming rise in heart disease among young Indians. He noted that heart disease is now the leading cause of death among Indians aged 24 to 49, accounting for nearly 50% of deaths in this age group, compared to 23% in Western countries. He cautioned that India risks becoming the global leader in young deaths due to heart disease unless preventive measures and lifestyle changes are adopted.
The Heartathon was designed not only to raise awareness but also to educate participants about structured heart training. The 5-km event followed a scientifically planned routine: participants walked for the first kilometre, jogged the second, ran the third, jogged the fourth, and walked the final kilometre. This approach was intended to gradually elevate and then reduce heart rate, ensuring safety and maximum cardiovascular benefit.
In addition to the run, the event featured Zumba sessions for fitness and stress relief, along with informative sessions on diet, stress management, sleep hygiene, and healthy lifestyle practices for long-term cardiac wellness.
Organisers emphasised that the Pulse Heartathon is not just a run, but a movement towards preventive healthcare. With India’s young population increasingly vulnerable to heart disease, the event aims to inspire healthier living and promote a culture of sustained heart health.
