Empowering Women Through Endurance: The 6th Edition of Pinkathon Kicks Off
The Spirit of Pinkathon: A Journey of Resilience
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], April 4: The essence of endurance, resilience, and women's empowerment was vividly showcased as the Spirit of Pinkathon launched its sixth edition, featuring an impressive 160 km run from Mumbai to Pune.
The event began on April 2 at 5:00 AM from Shivaji Park in Mumbai and concluded at the AFMC Ground in Pune on April 4, spanning three days.
Leading this inspiring endeavor are two exceptional athletes: Captain Pooja Mehra (Retd.), a 49-year-old ultra-marathoner, psychotherapist, motivational speaker, and former Indian Army officer, alongside Poonam Karanjkar, a 45-year-old endurance runner and ex-IT professional. Together, they will tackle this challenging multi-day run, exemplifying the core values of Pinkathon by empowering women to transcend limits and prioritize their health.
The Spirit of Pinkathon has consistently advocated for women's fitness and well-being, motivating women from diverse backgrounds to adopt an active lifestyle and challenge their perceived boundaries.
Milind Soman, the founder of Pinkathon, remarked, "The Spirit of Pinkathon serves as a powerful reminder that fitness and endurance extend beyond the physical; they are intricately linked to mental and emotional strength. Each year, women across the nation redefine what strength means, and this 160 km run from Mumbai to Pune exemplifies that spirit. Poonam and Captain Pooja embody resilience, courage, and purpose, inspiring countless others to embark on their own fitness journeys. Pinkathon has always championed women's empowerment, and initiatives like this bring that vision to life in remarkable ways."
Ankita Konwar, Founder of Invincible Women, added, "The Spirit of Pinkathon illustrates what consistency and belief can achieve over time. Endurance challenges like this transcend mere distance; they symbolize discipline, resilience, and the courage to persevere despite obstacles. Witnessing women undertake a 160 km run reinforces that strength is not measured by speed or scale, but by the determination to begin and persist. We hope stories like these motivate more women to take that initial step towards a more active and confident self."
Captain Pooja Mehra (Retd.), who has previously completed extreme endurance feats including a 452 km Shaurya ultra run in Ladakh and an Army Day Curtain Raiser Vijay Run of 405 km (Mumbai to Pune, Dec 2024) via Nasik, Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, and Pune, expressed, "This run is not merely about covering 160 kilometers; it is about pushing limits and redefining our perceptions of what is achievable."
She further stated, "Every endurance challenge I undertake is driven by purpose, discipline, and the aspiration to inspire others, particularly women, to break barriers. Pinkathon symbolizes empowerment and strength, and I am honored to be part of a movement that encourages women to step beyond their comfort zones and face challenges with courage. My experiences have shown me that limitations are often self-imposed, and with the right mindset, resilience can conquer anything."
Poonam Karanjkar, who celebrates a decade of running this year and previously completed the Mumbai to Pune route in 2019, shared her personal connection to the run: "This run holds special significance for me as it marks both a personal milestone, celebrating 10 years of running, and a return to a journey filled with cherished memories. The Spirit of Pinkathon is more than just a run; it embodies an emotion that inspires women to believe in themselves and take that first step, regardless of how daunting it may seem. I hope my journey motivates more women to overcome their fears, embrace fitness, and recognize their true potential."
Over the years, Pinkathon has evolved into a nationwide movement that transcends running, fostering a robust community that encourages women to take charge of their physical and mental health. The Spirit of Pinkathon runs continue to showcase real stories of determination and grit, reinforcing the message that every woman can be her own hero.