Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital (GKNMH) today unveiled the T-shirt and medal for the fourth edition of the ‘Run for Little Hearts’ Marathon, which will be held on September 27, 2026, at 5.30 a.m. at Mani Higher Secondary School.
The run aims to support children with heart defects and childhood cancers. This year, the run is being held under the theme “Va Nanba Odalam”.
Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, unveiled the T-shirt and Medal, along with doctors from the Departments of Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery and Paediatric Oncology, dignitaries from LMW and Premier Fine Linens, and representatives of the Coimbatore District Athletic Association.
To treat our little ones
-Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy, CEO, GKNMH
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy said that during the third edition of the Run for Little Hearts, held in 2025, around 3,000 runners actively participated in the marathon, and funds raised through the event benefited 42 children with heart defects and childhood cancer.
As in the previous three editions, children who were treated and have recovered at the hospital will also participate in this year’s run.
Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy added that GKNM Hospital, a unit of the KNC Trust, is a pioneer in paediatric cardiac care and paediatric oncology in Coimbatore. The hospital’s Paediatric Cardiac and Oncology units are fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technologies to provide treatment and care for children.
From 1 km to 10 km
There are three categories in the marathon. The 1 km and 3 km runs are open to participants of all age groups, allowing children, families and senior citizens to run together.
The 5 km run is open to boys and girls aged 12 to 18 years, and men and women aged 18 years and above. The 10 km run has two categories: participants aged 18 to 39 years and those aged 40 years and above.
Cash prizes
Cash prizes totalling Rs. 80,000 have been announced for the winners in the 5 km and 10 km categories. This year, the organisers expect around 4,000 runners across all categories.
The marathon is recognised and approved by the Coimbatore District Athletic Association.
The event is supported by LMW, Lakshmi Card Clothing, Blue Dhalia, Premier Fine Linens, Lakshmi Mills Co. Ltd., Lakshmi Energy & Environment Designs Pvt. Ltd. (LEED), and Precot, with Sodexo as the hospitality partner.
