Pinkathon back in city; race for reclamation begins…

Bengaluru: In a world where women give endlessly, yet pause rarely for themselves, a wave of pink is preparing to rise once again at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

And this year, the wave carries a stronger heartbeat.

Pinkathon — India’s largest women’s run — returns to Bengaluru for its 7th edition on January 25, 2026, with a renewed purpose, a louder voice, and a deeper promise: to ensure no woman suffers in silence or discovers breast cancer too late.

In a powerful partnership with Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., the movement enters a new chapter, widening its circle of care and courage.

What started in 2012 as Milind Soman’s dream to help women reclaim their right to fitness has now touched more than half a million lives.

It has become a sanctuary for women who run not to win medals, but to win back themselves — their strength, their confidence, their health, their future.

Every kilometre in Pinkathon tells a story — a story of a mother who ignored her pain until a self-exam saved her life; a grandmother who laced up her shoes for the first time at 70; a survivor who runs with one breast less but a heart infinitely fuller; a daughter who runs for the mother she lost; a sister who runs so her sibling doesn’t have to face the same fear.

Pinkathon is where women show up not to prove something to the world, but to prove something to themselves.

This year, Zydus joins the movement with a mission rooted in prevention.

Through its “Easiest Exam” campaign, it spreads an urgent message — that a three-minute monthly self-breast exam can save thousands of lives in a country where breast cancer silently claims too many.

This is not merely a collaboration. It is a call to action. It is a reminder that a woman who checks herself is a woman who protects herself.

Unveiling the 7th edition, Pinkathon founder and fitness icon Milind Soman captured the soul of the movement thus: “Every edition reminds us of the power of community when women come together for their health. With Zydus, we strengthen our mission to ensure every woman understands the importance of early detection.”

The upcoming edition also welcomes Bengaluru’s first-ever Invincible Women — a growing tribe founded by Ankita Konwar that challenges women to break internal barriers through 50 km, 75 km, and 100 km ultradistances.

Ankita’s voice trembled with emotion as she said: “Pinkathon is a safe, joyful space where women of all ages show up for themselves. Every woman who steps out makes a statement — her health matters.”

Oncologist Dr. C. N. Patil reinforced a reality too painful to ignore thus: “Early detection can significantly improve outcomes. A simple monthly three-minute self-check can prove life-saving.”

Leading up to race day, Bengaluru will witness the return of Pinkathon’s most inclusive community events — the Saree Run, Grandmothers 10K, Babywearing Mothers Walk, and the Midnight Fearless Run —formats that remind us that fitness is not about age, shape, or experience.

It is about showing up — for health, for sisterhood, for survival.