Bengaluru, November 18, 2025 – Pinkathon, India’s largest women’s run, has announced a significant partnership with global healthcare leader Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. to amplify breast cancer awareness and drive a preventive health agenda across India. This collaboration marks the return of the Bengaluru Pinkathon for its 7th edition, scheduled for January 25, 2026, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The event is set to inspire over 7,000 women in the city alone to embrace fitness, community, and proactive self-care.
A Movement for Women’s Empowerment
Launched in Mumbai in 2012 by actor, entrepreneur, and fitness advocate Milind Soman, Pinkathon has transcended its origins as a race to become a powerful, nationwide social movement. Its core mission is to empower women through sport, urging them to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being.
Over the years, the movement has achieved substantial milestones:
- It has reached over half a million women across India.
- It has facilitated free breast screenings for thousands of women.
- It has raised over ₹1 crore for underprivileged cancer patients.
- It has built a robust and growing network of ambassadors committed to the cause.
The new partnership with Zydus, which centers on a preventive-first healthcare vision, will reinforce Pinkathon’s mission as the 2025–26 season rolls out across major cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi.
Introducing the Invincible Women Ultradistance Challenge
The Bengaluru chapter will feature a wide range of categories, ensuring inclusivity for all women, from first-time runners to seasoned athletes. The categories include: 3 km Community Run, Lifelong 5 km, 10 km, and the introduction of ultradistances: 50 km, 75 km, and 100 km.
A major highlight of this edition is the first-ever arrival of ‘Invincible Women’ in Bengaluru. This initiative, which began in 2023, challenges participants to test their limits in the ultradistance categories (50 km, 75 km, 100 km). It serves as a powerful metaphor, encouraging women to break internal and external barriers, redefining their capabilities and showcasing immense resilience.
At the press conference, Milind Soman, Founder of Pinkathon, emphasized the movement’s deeper meaning. “Pinkathon has always been more than a run — it’s a movement that inspires women to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being. With the support of Zydus this year, we are strengthening our mission of spreading awareness about breast cancer and ensuring that every woman understands the importance of early detection,” he stated.
Ankita Konwar, Founder of Invincible Women, added her perspective: “For me, Pinkathon is a safe, joyful space where women of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities show up for themselves. Every woman who steps out to participate makes a statement — that her health matters. This collaboration with Zydus enables us to amplify conversations around self-examination and proactive health choices.”
Unveiling the Bengaluru Mascots
The launch event introduced the inspiring mascots for the 7th Bengaluru Pinkathon, each embodying the spirit of their respective race categories:
- Limitless 100 km – Shyamala S
- Super 75 km – Jahnnavi Gowda
- Fabulous 50 km – Shakila Banu
- 10 km – Arjuna Awardee Nisha Millet
- Lifelong 5 km – Pragya Prasun
- Babywearing Mother 3 km – Meghana Joshi
Focusing on Prevention and Early Detection
The Pinkathon 2025–26 edition is firmly built on the pillars of women’s health, inspiration, and empowerment, aligning perfectly with Zydus’ belief in prevention as a core component of healthcare.
Through its ‘Easiest Exam’ campaign, Zydus urges women to adopt a simple yet life-saving habit: the three-minute monthly self-breast examination. This proactive self-care measure is critical in a country where large numbers of women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. Early detection remains the most effective tool for significantly improving patient outcomes.
Dr. C. N. Patil, HOD and Lead Consultant, Medical Oncology & Hemato-Oncology at Aster CMI Hospital, highlighted the medical necessity of such initiatives. “Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women, but early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Initiatives like Pinkathon are essential in encouraging women to take proactive steps such as a simple monthly 3-minute self-check that can prove life-saving,” he commented.
Inclusive and Groundbreaking Formats
Pinkathon has a history of pioneering inclusive and community-focused formats that cater to all women. These unique events, which will be held in Bengaluru leading up to race day, include the Saree Run, Grandmothers 10K, Babywearing Mothers Walk, and the Midnight Fearless Run. These community-driven gatherings are key to bringing women together and encouraging new participants to join the health movement.
Together with Zydus Lifesciences and the Invincible Women initiative, Pinkathon continues to serve as a powerful platform that seamlessly unites fitness, vital health awareness, and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer across India.
The Zydus Pinkathon with Invincible Women’s Run has garnered substantial support from a diverse group of corporate sponsors, including Zydus as the Title Sponsor, Lifelong as the Fitness Partner, Healthy Master as the Healthy Snacking Partner, Sirona as the Hygiene Partner, and Fujifilms as the Breast Health Partner. Hyatt Centric joins as the Hospitality Partner, with further support from SAI and FIT India, Enrich (Grooming Partner), Inc 5 (Gifting Partner), and Maitrayana (Philanthropy Partner). The event is proudly executed by Smiling Tiger Experiences LLP.
