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SBI Pinkathon - Empowering Indian Women powered by Women’s Horlicks, India’s biggest women’s run, will be held in Guwahati on September 27, 2015 at the Sonaram High School. Over 3000 women from the city are expected to paint the town pink on this special day.
There is a 3k, 5k and 10k route available to runners, and organisers have special categories for runners as well.
What are the categories?
Cancer Sheroes
The Pinkathon was instituted in tribute to those suffering from cancer, which is the primary cause of the marathon. The ‘cancer sheroes’ category is for women who have beat breast cancer, and wish to try new outdoor activities.
The website describes the category as being for “cancer survivors who wish to try something adventurous in the outdoors, but may not be ready to join a regular group or might be nervous about trying something by themselves. The concept is to provide a community activity where a person who has withstood the physical and emotional ravages of the disease, has a chance to test themselves in a safe environment surrounded by friends and caregivers.”
Visually and hearing impaired
Organisers at the Pinkathon target several activities at those with disabilities, and among them are runners who are physically impaired in some way, helping to encourage them into building confidence, imrpove physical strength and integrate with a larger community instead of being ostracised.
“Running is a great way for Persons with Disabilities to mingle in the mainstream. Many of them, especially in India, struggle with establishing contact with the rest of the community and often live isolated lives. Simple sports like running help them break free of these barriers, engage with the outside world, realize their capabilities and create friendships,” according to the organisers.
Baby Wearing Mothers
Pregnant women, and women with infant babies strapped to their bodies, participated in a Baby Wearing Walk. SBI Pinkathon Bengaluru 2015, saw a group of 12 women, who were a part of this movement, and their main goal was to educate people on the advantages of Breast Feeding and Post Natal Care.
The concept started this year and organisers hope it will continue.
Causes
While the primary cause here is to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer, the organisers offer free mammograms, assist training for runners and aim for green, environmentally friendly events.
What is available to runners?
Green water stations
The Pinkathon has developed various unique practices in an effort to be as socially responsible as possible while offering the best possible experience to participants. Green water stations having reusable cups, alongside regular water stations with plastic bottles, were started for the first time in Bengaluru in 2015 and we have been collaborating with the Waste Warriors to reduce our carbon footprint in every Pinkathon. We have done the same for Pinkathon Chennai and managed to save thousands of litre of water and huge amounts of plastic. We aim to give participants the choice to be responsible and take the eco-friendly option.
A Pacer with every Racer
The Pinkathon concept of ‘A Pacer with every Racer’ in the half marathon distance has been received with great enthusiasm in every city. Each pacer makes sure that the girl they are matched with is safe during the run and is able to perform her best in the event that she has trained so hard for.
Mammogram Tags
Medical/mammogram tags, attached to the Finisher medal received by every participant, can be used to get a free consultation/checkup/mammogram at a city hospital. We have distributed over 50,000 Medical/ Mammogram Tags across Pinkathon cities in 2014.
