Bengaluru, March 09, 2026: On the morning of International Women’s Day, Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, came alive with energy and purpose as nearly 1,500 women and children gathered for the 4th edition of Woman-athon 2026, a 3 km walk organized by the Naari Power team, a powerful community movement celebrating strength, self-care, and solidarity.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Lakshmi Roopesh, Managing Director of Dental Den, ultra-marathoner and Race Director of Woman-athon, said, “Woman-athon was created with a simple but powerful belief, when a woman prioritises herself, she becomes stronger for everyone around her. This movement reminds women that self-care is not selfish; it is essential.”
Here are images from the Woman-athon 2026 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nx1Gm015WiwO6vwpWBkLOPaiQCdNxH73?usp=sharing
A Movement Powered by Women and Community
The success of Woman-athon 2026 is a testament to the power of women working together with purpose. The event was conceptualised, planned and executed by the Naari Power team, a dynamic collective of women who dedicated weeks of effort to bring the vision to life. Key members of the organising team included Reena, Rupalee, Priya, Rashmi, Lavanya, Hasitha, Sowmya, Merlyn and Ranjitha, each playing a crucial role in planning, coordination, partnerships, participant engagement and on-ground execution. Supporting the organising team were over 60 committed volunteers, who came together selflessly for the event. From early morning preparations to post-event coordination, the volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience for every participant. Equally important was the support from the Bengaluru Police and Traffic Wardens who managed the traffic arrangements with remarkable efficiency. Their coordinated efforts ensured that the event proceeded safely and comfortably for participants while maintaining smooth traffic flow in the surrounding areas.
Empower, Educate, Elevate: Pre-Event Community Workshops
In the weeks leading up to Woman-athon, the organising team conducted a series of community initiatives under the “Empower, Educate, Elevate” series, designed to equip women with practical knowledge related to health, safety and well-being.
These included:
- A Self-Defence Workshop at Bande Park, empowering women with confidence and personal safety awareness
• “Decode Your Health”, an interactive health awareness session conducted with Silverline Diagnostics
• A Free Eye Check-up and Eye Health Talkin collaboration with Zamindar Children’s Eye Hospital, focusing on preventive eye care and vision health
These initiatives reinforced Woman-athon’s commitment to empowering women through awareness and education beyond the event itself.
Celebrating Inspiring Women
Woman-athon 2026 was honoured by the presence of four exceptional women whose journeys inspire resilience, courage and determination.
Sophia Pinto, a Masters athlete who began sprinting at the age of 35, went on to represent India and win Gold in the 200m and Silver in the 100m at the Asian Masters Athletics Championship.
Vasumathi Srinivasan, an accomplished mountaineer, recently completed the “Fit at 50+” trans-Himalayan expedition, covering 4,900 kilometres across the Himalayan region.
Meera Ramanarayanan, an endurance cyclist who took up cycling after retirement, has since covered over 79,000 kilometres across India and beyond, redefining what is possible at every stage of life.
Dr. Chinmayee Thrishulamurthy, an Ophthalmologist, a trained mountaineer and long-distance runner, is currently preparing for an Everest expedition, inspiring women to embrace fitness and adventure regardless of age.
Their stories deeply resonated with participants, reminding everyone present that strength, courage and ambition know no age limit.
More Than an Event — A Movement
Woman-athon is more than a community walk; it is a movement dedicated to reminding women that their well-being matters.
Through fitness initiatives, awareness programs and community engagement, the Naari Power team continues to build a culture where women support and uplift one another while embracing healthier lifestyles.
The success of the 4th Edition of Woman-athon stands as a powerful reminder that when women come together with purpose, they create meaningful and lasting impact within their communities.
As the movement continues to grow, the team looks forward to inspiring many more women to step forward, prioritise themselves and lead healthier, stronger lives.
Let’s continue to rise. Let’s Give to Gain.
