Milind Soman’s early morning run with Gurgaon women

While Gurgaon sees several runs – both short- and long-distance ones – every weekend, one of the runs organised on Saturday morning was little special. One, because it had all women participants (though many were accompanied by their husbands), some running in saris and burqas. And two, because it had actor and fitness buff Milind Soman running alongside the ladies. City-based running group Fitness Ki Pathshala (FKP) organised the 5-km run for women, in the run-up to the annual Pinkathon, a women’s run that raises awareness about cancer and urges women to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Kuhu (L) takes part in the 5-km run

Milind was in Millennium City to promote the upcoming Pinkathon for which he is the brand ambassador. “For me, it’s easy. I run all the time. But for these women – they have to deal with kids, jobs, husbands, in-laws, and other responsibilities. For them, finding time to run is a real challenge. The idea behind Pinkathon is to show that all women, from all walks of society, can run. And it’s great that groups like FKP are organising events like these to promote that,” said Milind.
Almost a 100 women from across Gurgaon ran from Club Florence in Sector 56 along a 5-km route through the Golf Course Extension Road. Nitika, an avid runner, said, “I run regularly with my running group but this one was special because it was with Milind.”

Women take a selfie with Milind Soman

The runners included some as young as 10 to even senior citizens. A number of women ran wearing the sari and one in a burqa. “We want to show all women that attire is never a hindrance in running,” said Richa, who ran wearing a sari. Several runners came from outside Gurgaon too, because they wanted to get a chance to run alongside Milind Soman. Pooja, who travelled from Dwarka for the run and ran holding her 16-month-old son, said, “I usually run only around my society and don’t take part in long runs or marathons but this was an event I wanted to be a part of. I find Milind very inspirational.”
After the run, Milind was inundated by selfie requests from women but he put forward a condition. “Everyone who wants a selfie with me needs to do 10 push-ups,” announced Milind. All women promptly agreed. Gurgaon-based Zumba instructor Meenakshi even challenged Milind to a push-up challenge and almost won with both of them voluntarily stopping after 70 odd push-ups.