CHENNAI:SBI Pinkathon, empowering Indian Women, India’s biggest women’s run, completed its very successful 2nd edition run in the city on the Island Grounds on Sunday. The run witnessed over 5,000 young, middle aged and even 70-year-olds, dressed in the signature white and pink attire partake enthusiastically in the three, five, 10 and 21 kilometre categories.
“Having witnessed the support and grandeur in which Chennai has stepped out to support our cause, we believe we have successfully sown the seed of change. This is more than just a marathon. It is the beginning of a movement carried forward by a growing community of empowered women across India, who share a belief that a healthy family, a healthy nation and a healthy world begins with empowered women. The first step in empowerment is taking control of your own health, respecting yourself and understanding and celebrating the value you bring to your family and society. Let’s take the first step,” said super model Milind Soman, founder, Pinkathon, before flagging off the run.
Pinkathon, an international all women’s run, which was held across four cities with over 12,000 women participating in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Bengaluru, expanded to Chennai and Ahemadabad in 2014. “We want more women to come forth and participate each time we organise this marathon. Our goal is to spread awareness about the importance to adopt a healthier lifestyle and highlight the awareness about breast cancer,” he added. Pinkathon has donated more than `45 lakh towards treatment of underprivileged women with cancer, and has facilitated free breast screenings for thousands of women through various partners.
Sayuri Dalvi, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Neerja Mallik, a cancer survivor and 5-km mascot, and RJ Nandini were spotted at the run. Winners of the pre-events like Cancer Shero Temple Walk, Pink Carnival and EasterDuathlon were also felicitated.
Lisa Malik, a cancer survivor, and RJ Shiv Shankari Nandini from RadioMirchi were the mascots for the 5 km and 10 km category respectively. They led their fellow runners with great enthusiasm and encouragement.
Vinod Pande, general manager, Corporate Communication and Change Management, State Bank of India, said, “We at State Bank of India are proud to be a partner in this great initiative for women called the SBI Pinkathon that aims to spread awareness about breast cancer and promote women’s wellbeing. It is a run for women, of women, by women. Running is an incredibly effective way of making a healthier and smarter you. It helps you balance your weight, prevent disease, enhance your mood and boost your confidence. SBI Pinkathon is one event which will help you achieve all that.”