BENGALURU, March 9, 2026 – In a vibrant display of purple and purpose, the 4th edition of Woman-athon transformed the streets of Kalyan Nagar today. Organized by the Beyond Excellence Sports Trust (BEST) at the KBC Basketball Court, the event brought together 1,500 women and children to mark International Women’s Day. Founded by ultra-marathoner Dr. Lakshmi Roopesh, the movement continues to champion the philosophy that when a woman prioritizes her own well-being, she gains the strength to uplift her family, her community, and society at large.
A Movement Built on “Give to Gain”
This year’s event, themed “Give to Gain,” was a masterclass in community-led empowerment. The marathon was conceptualized and executed by Naari Power, an all-women leadership team, in close collaboration with the Kammanahalli Run Club.
The morning kicked off at 6:00 a.m. with high-energy Zumba sessions that set a tone of fitness and joy. Following a nutritious breakfast, the official walk was flagged off at 7:00 a.m. sharp. Participants of all ages marched with placards advocating for self-priority, eventually crossing the finish line to collect their well-earned Finisher Medals.
“Woman-athon was created with a simple but powerful belief,” said Dr. Lakshmi Roopesh, Race Director and Managing Director of Dental Den, during the flag-off. “When a woman prioritizes herself, she becomes stronger for everyone around her. This movement reminds women that self-care is not selfish; it is essential.”
Beyond the Walk: The “Empower, Educate, Elevate” Series
True to its mission of holistic wellness, the Woman-athon impact began weeks before the starting pistol. The organizing team conducted a series of community initiatives designed to provide women with practical life skills:
- Self-Defence: Workshops held at Bande Park to build confidence and personal safety awareness.
- Health Literacy: The “Decode Your Health” series with Silverline Diagnostics.
- Vision Care: Free eye check-ups and preventative health talks hosted by Zamindar Children’s Eye Hospital.
Profiles in Persistence: The Guests of Honour
The 2026 edition was graced by four extraordinary women whose lives redefine the boundaries of age and physical capability:
- Sophia Pinto: A Masters athlete who started sprinting at 35 and eventually secured Gold and Silver medals for India at the Asian Masters Athletics Championship.
- Vasumathi Srinivasan: An accomplished mountaineer who recently completed the 4,900 km “Fit at 50+” trans-Himalayan expedition.
- Meera: A post-retirement endurance cyclist who has covered over 79,000 kilometers, proving that adventure has no expiration date.
- Dr. Chinmayee: A long-distance runner and mountaineer currently preparing for an Everest expedition.
Their presence served as a living testament to the event’s core message: strength and ambition are ageless.
A Holistic Wellness Ecosystem
The success of the day was bolstered by a network of partners who provided immediate health services on-site. Silverline Diagnostics, the main sponsor, ensured all participants were fueled with a healthy breakfast while offering free BMI assessments and blood sugar tests. Their radiologists also held an “open house” to answer pressing health questions.
Further medical support came from Altius Hospital’s Dr. Priya Patil, who provided free gynecological consultations, and Dr. Samina Zamindar, who led glaucoma screenings and awareness talks. To balance the clinical with the celebratory, Neelkanth – Golds and Diamonds hosted a popular selfie booth and introduced gold savings schemes tailored for women, while Decathlon kept the energy high with interactive fitness challenges.
The Engine Behind the Event
An army of 60 dedicated volunteers and the core Naari Power team—including Reena, Rupalee, Priya, Rashmi, Lavanya, Hasitha, Sowmya, Merlyn, and Ranjitha—spent months ensuring the event’s seamless execution. The Bengaluru Police (both Law & Order and Traffic divisions) and dedicated traffic wardens played a critical role, ensuring the 1,500-strong crowd could walk safely through the city.
As the sun rose over Bengaluru, the sight of hundreds of women walking in solidarity sent a clear message: the modern woman is no longer putting herself last. She is walking toward a future where her health, her identity, and her well-being are the foundation of a stronger society.
