Zydus Pinkathon Expands to 12 Cities, Advancing Fitness and Breast Cancer Awareness

Zydus Lifesciences Limited and Pinkathon announced the expansion of Zydus Pinkathon from six to 12 cities in 2026–27, covering Mumbai, Kochi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Guwahati, Jaipur, Chennai and Varanasi. Presented by Mutual Funds Sahi Hai, the initiative aims to engage 50,000 women, building on the previous season’s participation of over 30,000 women across six cities. Recognised as India’s biggest women’s run, Pinkathon welcomes women across age groups, fitness levels and abilities, with running categories ranging from 3 km to 100 km. The expansion supports Pinkathon’s vision of reaching 52 cities across India while strengthening Zydus’ efforts to promote breast cancer awareness and early detection through its “The Easiest Exam” campaign.

Speaking at the launch of Zydus Pinkathon, Dr Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences, said, “Through Zydus Pinkathon and Easiest Exam, our endeavour is to make the conversations about breast self-exam easier to understand and discuss. This would be an important step in driving early detection of breast cancer in India and seeking medical advice without delay. Expanding Zydus Pinkathon to 12 cities gives us an opportunity to take this message further and build on the participation of women and healthcare professionals like oncologists and gynaecologists in the upcoming season.”

Ms Meha Patel, Vice Chairperson, Zydus Foundation, said, “Women often make time for everyone around them while putting their own health last. Changing this calls for encouragement at home and support within the community. Zydus Pinkathon creates an occasion for women to come together for themselves, share experiences and speak openly about their well-being. We hope each participant carries that encouragement to a friend, a sister or a mother, helping more women give their health the attention it deserves.”

Zydus Pinkathon empowers women through physical and financial well-being, celebrating inclusivity across age groups and backgrounds. Mumbai’s mascots include Dr Noureen Hemani, cancer survivor Deveika Bhojwani, senior citizens Pushpa Nalin Mody and Surjit Kaur, working professional Suman Rathi, and visually impaired runner Chhonzin Angmo. Last year, the event set a world record for the maximum number of visually impaired girls participating in a running event.

Milind Soman, Founder, Pinkathon, said, “It is wonderful to have Zydus continue its association with Pinkathon for the second consecutive year. Their continued belief in our vision gives us the confidence to take this movement to more women across the country. I am equally delighted to welcome Mutual Funds Sahi Hai as our Presenting Partner. Physical fitness and financial wellbeing are both important aspects of a woman's independence and empowerment, and together, we have an opportunity to encourage conversations around both. As we expand from 6 to 12 cities this year, our aim is to inspire 50,000 women to take that first step towards a healthier, more confident future. I look forward to seeing more women join this growing movement.”

With approximately 2.4 lakh new breast cancer cases in India in 2025, Zydus Pinkathon promotes early detection through its “The Easiest Exam” campaign, encouraging breast self-examination and timely medical advice. Supported by health and wellness partners and executed by Smiling Tiger Experiences LLP, the initiative uses expert interactions, podcasts and community engagement to raise awareness and promote women’s physical and financial well-being.