VGM Gastro, Ortho and Multispecialty Hospital is a center of excellence since the last 20 years on Trichy Road, Coimbatore. Kovai Athletic Club is the oldest athletic club of Coimbatore since 26 years.
These two institutions of excellence have joined hands again for the 3rd time, after the successful marathons in 2024 and 2025. This year, the marathon will be named “Run for Nation 2026” and it will be held on August 09, Sunday at Nehru Stadium. It is expected that over 7000 participants will actively run in this marathon. More than 40 Organizations, Institutions and Sports clubs are expected to partner in this event.
Last year, “more than 100 differently-abled people participated in the marathon and this year we are planning to encourage more than 150 differently-abled people who will kick-start the event to the applause of a roaring audience” says, Rtn Dr. Suman, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Medical Director VGM Hospital, Chairman of Health Young Indians, President Kovai Athletic Club and Vice President of this marathon “Run for Nation 2026”.
This marathon will focus on Sports, Education and Health universally for the betterment of all students and citizens. Also, there will be special emphasis on how to ‘Save Your Knee’ from arthritis and ligament injuries. This will be the prime motto of Run for Nation 2026” says, Dr. V.G. Mohan Prasad, Chairman of VGM Hospital and Chairman of the marathon Run for Nation 2026.
With a huge social responsibility, the funds obtained from the marathon will be used for the betterment of corporation school children from over 25 schools. We plan to give: Shoes, Sports uniform materials and also inculcate the art of sports in them” says, Mr. Srinivasan, Secretary, Kovai Athletic Club and Secretary of “Run for Nation 2026” Marathon.
A medical team of 11 specialists led by Dr. Suman, are expected to pay a field visit to 100+ Organizations, Industries, Schools and Colleges to spread the awareness of health especially for knee health in the next 3 months. Winners will also be rewarded with cash prizes of over Rs 2,00,000 planned for various categories of men, women and children in different age groups.
Last year, the same marathon Run for Nation 2025 attracted around 4300 runners and volunteers gathered at Nehru stadium. This has been officially declared as the second largest marathon of Coimbatore district by CDAA (Coimbatore District Athletic Association) for two years consecutively, which is a proud moment for us , says, Rotarian Dr. Suman, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Medical Director VGM Hospital, Chairman of Health Young Indians, President Kovai Athletic Club and Vice President of this marathon Run for Nation 2025.
The marathon was launched and T-shirt was opened by K.S.Giriprasath, MLA, Singanallur. The digital awareness video was launched by NM Sukumar, MLA, Sulur in the presence of KAC officials, CDAA officials, Doctors & Staffs of VGM Hospital, including Dr. Madhura Prasad Suman, Dr.Vamsi Murthy, Dr.Mitra Prasad, Dr Gokul Kirubasankar, Mr.Vijaykumar,chairman KAC, Shamsudeen, Secretary, CDAA, John Singarayar, Treasurer, CDAA and KovaiRamesh, Vicepresident, CDAA and KAC.