GKNM Hospital successfully hosted 4th edition of Run for Little Hearts Marathon to Raise Hope for Children
Marathon in aid of children with heart defects and childhood cancers held ahead of World Heart Day
Coimbatore, September 27th, 2026: G. Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital (GKNMH) Coimbatore and LMW successfully hosted the Fourth Edition of 'Run for Little Hearts' an awareness run in aid of children with heart defects and childhood cancers today at Mani Higher Secondary School, Papanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore. Held in September, which is observed as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and with September 29th being World Heart Day, the run commenced at 5:30 a.m. and saw an overwhelming participation of more than 3500 runners from across Coimbatore and the Kongu region.
The marathon was flagged off by Thiru. R. Gokulakrishnan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore City, alongside Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy, Chief Executive Officer, GKNM Hospital and Ms. Shanthi Srinivasan, Managing Director, Premier Fine Linens, along with senior doctors of GKNM Hospital. In a truly heartwarming moment, children who are survivors of congenital heart defects and childhood cancers, along with their family members, who were treated at GKNM Hospital and are now leading a normal and happy life, also actively participated in the run. Their presence gave hope to all that there is a normal and joyful life after heart disease and cancer.
The run was conducted in three categories: 1 km & 3 km Fun Run for families and survivors, 5 km, and 10 km, and was officially recognised and approved by the Coimbatore District Athletic Association. Winners in the competitive categories were awarded trophies, certificates and cash prizes worth Rs.80,000 for the 5 km and 10 km categories. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy, CEO, GKNM Hospital said, "In the 3rd edition of Run for Little Hearts in 2025, 42 children with heart defects and childhood cancers were benefited from the funds collected. GKNM Hospital, a unit of KNC Trust, is a pioneer in paediatric cardiac care and paediatric oncology in Coimbatore. Our Paediatric Cardiac and Oncology units are fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technologies to treat our little ones. More than 1000 children undergo heart procedures every year at GKNM Hospital and 25 children undergo Bone Marrow Transplant for cancer and more than 600 children undergo cancer treatment.
Most of these families come from economically weaker backgrounds. With the support of many CSR partners, we provide free treatment to the needy. This public awareness marathon helps the community know about the advanced treatment available right here in Coimbatore. When thousands of runners come together and run for a cause, the purpose of organizing it is fulfilled. "
The event was generously supported by LMW, Lakshmi Card Clothing, Blue Dahlia, Premier Fine Linens, Lakshmi Mills Co. Ltd., Lakshmi Energy & Environment Designs Pvt Ltd (LEED), Precot and Hospitality Partner Sodexo. GKNM Hospital thanked all runners, sponsors, volunteers, and the Coimbatore City Police for making the 4th edition a grand success and for running to give a second chance to little hearts. About GKNM Hospital: With 50 years of expertise in cardiac care, GKNM Hospital is the first choice for heart care in the Kongu region, offering comprehensive adult and paediatric cardiac care, including congenital heart defect corrections, under one roof with international standards.