After a seven-year hiatus, Zydus Pinkathon is set to make a powerful comeback in Chennai. 

 

Scheduled for August 1 and 2 at Island Grounds, the Chennai edition will feature an inclusive line-up of race categories — from the 3 km and Lifelong 5 km runs to the 10 km challenge and ultra-distance events including 50 km, 75 km, 100 km and the 100 km relay. 

 

The event will welcome women across age groups and fitness levels, reinforcing its message that health and fitness are for everyone.

 

The return of Zydus Pinkathon to Chennai continues its larger mission of making women’s health, fitness and preventive healthcare more visible and accessible. Over the years, the movement has inspired nearly a million women across India to embrace running as a pathway to confidence, community and long-term well-being.

 

This year’s Chennai mascots — women whose journeys embody courage, perseverance and the power of breaking barriers -- were unveiled at a press meet in Chennai recently.

 

Representing different race categories are Zoha Sanofer, a babywearing mother for the 3 km category; Nandita Muralidhar, a cancer survivor for the Lifelong 5 km category; Gaytheri M., a visually impaired runner for the 10 km category; Geetha Manichandar, a 65-year-old runner for the 50 km category; Deborah Sushma Lall, a working professional for the 75 km category; and Latha Ravichander, who will lead the 100 km category.

 

Each mascot represents the thousands of women who continue to challenge stereotypes, overcome personal hurdles and make their health a priority.

 

Speaking at the event, Milind Soman, Founder, Pinkathon, said: "Every city adds a new chapter to the Zydus Pinkathon journey, and returning to Chennai after 7 years is particularly special. We've always believed that when women come together through fitness, they inspire change not just in themselves but within their families and communities as well. We look forward to seeing Chennai once again embrace this movement and celebrate the many stories of strength that will unfold on race day."

 

Beyond the race, Zydus Pinkathon will continue to drive awareness around breast cancer prevention through The Easiest Exam campaign, encouraging women to make regular self-breast examinations a part of their healthcare routine.

 

Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences, said, “With the Easiest Exam campaign, we seek to empower women with the knowledge that a simple 3-minute self-examination each month can make a life-saving difference. Zydus Pinkathon aims to reach many more women, raise awareness, and inspire collective action in the fight against breast cancer. We believe that raising awareness on women’s health and breast cancer remains equally vital, as early detection has the power to save countless lives.”

 

This year’s Chennai edition will also celebrate the city’s diverse running community, featuring young mothers running with their babies, cancer survivors, visually impaired runners and participants choosing to run in sarees — continuing Pinkathon’s tradition of reflecting the unique culture and stories of every city it enters.

 

Ankita Konwar, Founder, Invincible Women, added, "Every Zydus Pinkathon reminds us that there is no single definition of strength. Whether someone is preparing for her first run or taking on an ultra-distance challenge, every woman is writing her own story. We hope Chennai inspires many more women to begin their fitness journey, knowing that every step forward counts."