The three-day Pinkathon run, which ended on Sunday, saw the participation of over 8000 women from the city and also other places. Women clad in sarees, salwar kameez, hijabs or whatever attire they deemed fit and kept them comfortable, participated in the marathon which included distances between three and 21 kilometres. “While the motive of such marathons is to make the participants active and stay fit as well as get our mind to push our bodies beyond the comfort zone, the awareness it serves to create is also a factor to be considered,” said Anita J, an athlete.

“It is always the notion that only young and healthy women take part in such marathons. However, this marathon also saw the participation of a team of visually impaired girls, hearing impaired girls, Cancer Sheroes, mothers with their babies as well as senior citizens,” said one of the organisers.

With cases of breast cancer found to be on the rise, even among younger women, doctors say that such activities will not only help to create awareness but also motivate cancer patients. “Many young women are affected by breast cancer. Watching cancer survivors participate in such runs will motivate these cancer patients and make them realise that it is curable,” said Oncologist Dr Deeptha K.