Pune: After a seven-year hiatus, the Zydus Pinkathon is set to make a landmark return to Pune, marking a significant homecoming for one of India’s largest women-focused running platforms.
Last held in the city in 2019, the Pune edition was officially announced at a press conference hosted at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences, signalling the continuation of the Zydus Pinkathon 2025–26 nationwide season dedicated to women’s fitness, preventive health, and participation-led running.
The announcement was made in the presence of Pinkathon Founder, actor and endurance icon Milind Soman; Ankita Konwar, Founder of Invincible Women; and Dr Tushar Patil, leading oncologist at Zydus Lifesciences. The Pune run is scheduled to take place on April 5, 2026, at the AFMC Ground, Pune.
Zydus Pinkathon Strengthens Its Nationwide Footprint
The return of the Zydus Pinkathon to Pune follows successful editions held earlier this season in Mumbai and Bengaluru, both of which witnessed strong participation and reaffirmed the platform’s expanding presence across major Indian cities.
In Pune, the event will once again combine community-led participation with endurance running formats, while continuing to highlight women’s health conversations, including awareness around early detection and regular self-breast examinations.
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Zydus Pinkathon Pune Edition Showcases Diverse Mascots
The Pune edition of the Zydus Pinkathon will feature a diverse line-up of mascots that reflect inclusivity, resilience, and purpose.
Mrunal Inamdar will represent the Super 75 km category, running in a traditional nauvari saree, while Lalita Pawar, a visually impaired runner, will lead the Fabulous 50 km category. The 100 km category will be represented by Dr. Neelam Vaid, a 61-year-old ENT surgeon.
The 10 km run will feature Dr Mitali Upadhye, a cancer survivor, while the Lifelong 5 km category will be represented by Usha Soman, mother of Pinkathon founder Milind Soman, aged 87.
The 3 km category will be led by Mayuri Das, a babywearing mother, highlighting the platform’s emphasis on inclusive participation across age groups and life stages.
Milind Soman on Zydus Pinkathon’s Return to Pune
Speaking at the unveiling, Milind Soman, Founder, Pinkathon, said, “Pune has always had a strong running culture, and coming back after seven years feels especially meaningful.
As the platform continues its journey across India this season, Pune becomes an important stop, one that brings together community participation, competitive running, and health awareness under one umbrella. The return here reflects how women’s running in India has grown, and how consistently women continue to show up when given the right space.”
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Zydus Pinkathon Continues Focus on Preventive Health
The Pune edition continues the Zydus Pinkathon’s association with healthcare awareness, with renewed emphasis on preventive practices and breast cancer awareness, reinforcing the role of fitness events as long-term platforms for health dialogue beyond race day.
Dr 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. Joining hands with Pinkathon, we aim 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.”
Ankita Konwar Highlights Sustainable Fitness Mindset
Ankita Konwar, Founder, Invincible Women, said, “What excites me is seeing women approach fitness as something they build into their lives, not something tied to a single event.
In cities like Pune, there’s a quiet commitment to showing up regularly, pushing personal limits, and staying consistent. Pinkathon creates a structure where that mindset can grow across distances, ages, and stages of life.”
Zydus Pinkathon Encourages Early Detection Awareness
Adding to this, Dr. Tushar Patil, leading oncologist, Zydus, said, “It’s inspiring to see women come together at Zydus Pinkathon for both, fitness and awareness. While staying active strengthens the body, early screening is our strongest defence against breast cancer.
A simple monthly self-exam, just two hands and three minutes, can help detect warning signs early. In cities like Pune, such small, consistent actions can truly save lives, and initiatives like Zydus Pinkathon help take these vital conversations into the community.”
Strong Partner Ecosystem Supports Zydus Pinkathon Pune
The event is supported by Zydus as the Title Partner, along with Lotus Herbals (Sunscreen Partner), Lifelong (Fitness Partner), Sirona (Hygiene Partner), and Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences (Hospitality Partner).
Healthcare and wellness support is further strengthened by Fujifilm (Breast Health Partner), 3TENX (Hair Wellness Partner), Bisleri (Hydration Partner), Zivame (Activewear Partner), and Tasty Nibbles (Tasty Meals Partner).
The event is supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Fit India. Additional partners include Inc.5 (Gifting Partner) and Big FM (Radio Partner), with execution by Smiling Tiger Experiences LLP.
Continuing its 2025–26 journey, the Zydus Pinkathon builds on its successful Mumbai and Bengaluru editions, with upcoming runs planned in cities including Hyderabad and Delhi, furthering its commitment to making women’s health, fitness, and participation visible and sustained across India.
