The Health-Focused Run Aims to Extend Hope and Support to Heart Patients
On 29 April 2026, Khon Kaen University International College (KKUIC) held a press conference to announce the “Love on Track Charity Run 2026,” a student-led initiative aimed at raising awareness of cardiac health and fundraising for essential medical equipment. The event was detailed by Associate Professor Pattarapong Makarawate, M.D., Director of the Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast, Khon Kaen University; Assistant Professor Dr. Chayapat Pathumnakul, the Project Advisor; and Mr. Supakit Pornsinlapakun, a fourth-year student in International Entrepreneurship and the Project Leader. The conference, held at the M301 Meeting Room in the Learning Complex and Basic Skill Development Building at KKUIC, was well attended by members of the media, faculty, students, and the public.
The “Love on Track Charity Run 2026” is organised with the primary goals of promoting public heart health and raising awareness of sustainable healthcare practices in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project is also an integral part of the Seminar in International Entrepreneurship Management course, which emphasises “Learning by Doing” by enabling students to plan and manage a university-level project. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast to enhance treatment opportunities and support patients with heart conditions.
Associate Professor Pattarapong Makarawate remarked, “Health is everyone’s responsibility, not just that of medical professionals. It is a positive sign that students from the International College are prioritising this issue. Although each contribution to a charitable event like this may seem small, together they create a powerful collective impact that can be transformative, helping heart patients receive faster diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the event will feature preliminary heart disease risk screenings to educate participants on preventing complications before they develop into heart failure.”
Assistant Professor Dr. Chayapat Pathumnakul, the Project Advisor, added that KKUIC aims to cultivate “Global Citizens”—a new generation of professionals who think broadly and act effectively. “This project provides a platform for students to grow by confronting real-world challenges, guided by the ‘3P’ framework: People, Profit (reinvested for growth), and Planet. Our goal is to create continuous and sustainable benefits for society,” he said.
Mr. Supakit Pornsinlapakun, the Project Leader, shared the inspiration and unique features of the event. “This project originated from the aspiration of us fourth-year students to create an event with deeper meaning than a typical run. We have applied the entrepreneurial mindset gained at KKUIC, which emphasises ‘Learning by Doing,’ to design a special and diverse experience for all participants.”
“What makes this event special is that participants will not only get to exercise but will also have access to preliminary heart disease risk screenings conducted by a team of experts from the Queen Sirikit Heart Center. There will also be a mini-concert by KKUIC students for everyone’s enjoyment. Most importantly, the proceeds will be donated to the Heart Center to purchase medical equipment. This ensures that every step taken during the run is valuable and meaningful because every participant is helping to pass on a heartbeat and the chance for a better life to heart patients,” concluded Mr. Supakit.
The event will feature 5-kilometre and 9-kilometre races, along with a VIP category. It is scheduled to take place on 10 May 2026 at the Si Than Lake Activities Area, Khon Kaen University. For more information and registration details, please visit the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kkuictheinsider
