A Run for Nation marathon was held at VOC Grounds in Coimbatore city on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement.
More than 4,700 people aged between eight and 85 participated in the sixth edition of the Run for Nation Marathon organised by VGM Hospital in association with Kovai Athletic Club at VOC Grounds in Coimbatore city on Sunday (August 9, 2026).The marathon was held with the social message ‘Say No to Drugs’ and health campaign ‘Save Your Knee’. Participants also took a pledge against drug abuse.The event featured separate categories for men, women and children, with winners in various age groups receiving cash prizes totalling more than ₹2 lakh.Speaking at the event, VGM Hospital Chairman and marathon chairman Dr. V.G. Mohan Prasad said the run focused on sports, education and health. The hospital had supported 10 athletes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by providing surgeries through its orthopaedic and sports injury team.The surgeries were supported by the Kasturi Amma Seva Foundation. Kovaion IT also sponsored 10 laptops, which were donated to SKP Aided School in Udumalpet.Kovai Athletic Club secretary Srinivasan said the funds raised through the marathon would be used for the welfare of students from more than 25 Coimbatore Corporation schools. The organisers planned to provide them with sports shoes and uniforms and encourage their participation in sports. More than 200 Corporation school students were also given free registration to participate in the marathon.As part of the ‘Save Your Knee’ campaign, a team of 11 specialists visited more than 100 organisations, industries, schools and colleges over the past three months to create awareness about knee health. Published - August 09, 2026 09:01 pm IST
