PUNE: After a seven-year interval, the Zydus Pinkathon is set to return to Pune, marking a significant homecoming for one of India’s largest women’s running platforms. Last held in the city in 2019, the Pune edition was officially unveiled at a press conference hosted by Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences by Pinkathon founder, actor, and endurance icon Milind Soman, Invincible Women founder Ankita Konwar, and Zydus Lifesciences’ leading oncologist Dr. Tushar Patil on Tuesday, signalling the continuation of the Zydus Pinkathon’s 2025–26 nationwide season focused on women’s fitness, preventive health, and participation-led running. The Pune run will take place on April 5, 2026, at the AFMC Ground, Pune.
The announcement, made at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences, follows the successful Mumbai and Bengaluru editions earlier this season, which drew large-scale participation and reinforced the Zydus Pinkathon’s growing footprint across major cities. In Pune, the platform returns with its signature mix of community and endurance formats, while continuing to spotlight women’s health, including awareness around early detection and regular self-breast examinations.
The Pune edition will feature a strong line-up of mascots that reflect the diversity and intent of the Zydus Pinkathon movement. Mrunal Inamdar will represent the Super 75 km category, taking on the distance in a traditional nauvari saree, while Lalita Pawar, a visually impaired runner, will lead the Fabulous 50 km category. The 100 km mascot will be Dr Neelam Vaid, a 61-year-old ENT surgeon, symbolising resilience and lifelong fitness. The 10 km run will be represented by Dr Mitali Upadhye, a cancer survivor, the Lifelong 5 km by Usha Soman, mother of Pinkathon founder Milind Soman, aged 87, and the 3 km category by Mayuri Das, a babywearing mother, highlighting inclusive participation.
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.”
The Pune edition also continues the Zydus Pinkathon’s association with healthcare conversations, with a renewed focus on preventive practices and awareness around breast cancer, reinforcing the idea that fitness events can serve as platforms for long-term health dialogue beyond race day.
Speaking on the occasion, 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, 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.”
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.”
The event is supported by a strong partner ecosystem led by Zydus as the Title Partner, and further strengthened by Lotus Herbals (Sunscreen Partner), Lifelong (Fitness Partner), Sirona (Hygiene Partner), and Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences (Hospitality Partner). Healthcare and wellness are reinforced through Fujifilm (Breast Health Partner), 3TENX (Hair Wellness Partner), alongside Bisleri (Hydration Partner), Zivame (Activewear Partner), and Tasty Nibbles (Tasty Meals Partner). The event is supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) & Fit India. The experience is further enriched by 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 successful editions in Mumbai and Bengaluru, with upcoming runs scheduled across key cities, including Hyderabad and Delhi, carrying forward its commitment to making women’s health, fitness, and participation visible, accessible, and sustained.