While You Watch IPL, Women Run 160 km from Mumbai to Pune in Inspiring Pinkathon

While the cricketing frenzy of the Indian Premier League grips millions, a different kind of endurance story quietly unfolded on the highways between Mumbai and Pune: one powered not by bat and ball, but by resilience, purpose, and sheer human will.

The spirit of endurance and empowerment came alive with Pinkathon’s sixth edition which involved a demanding 160-kilometre run from Mumbai’s Shivaji Park at 5:00 AM to the AFMC Ground. The race was scheduled from April 2 to 4.

At the heart of this effort are two seasoned runners—Captain Pooja Mehra (Retd.), a 49-year-old ultra-marathoner and former Indian Army officer, and Poonam Karanjkar, a 45-year-old endurance runner marking a decade in the sport. Together, they embody the essence of Pinkathon: pushing limits and redefining what women can achieve.

Why does this run go beyond just distance?

Pinkathon founder Milind Soman captured the deeper significance of the event. He said, “The Spirit of Pinkathon is a powerful reminder that fitness and endurance are not just physical; they are deeply connected to mind and emotion. Every year, women across the country continue to redefine what strength looks like, and this 160 km Mumbai to Pune run is a testament to that spirit. Poonam and Captain Pooja embody resilience, courage, and purpose, inspiring countless others to take that first step towards their own fitness journey. Pinkathon has always stood for empowering women to believe in themselves, and initiatives like this bring that vision to life in the most extraordinary way."

Adding to this perspective, Ankita Konwar of Invincible Women said: “Spirit of Pinkathon is about showing what consistency and belief can build over time. Endurance journeys like this go far beyond distance; they represent discipline, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward despite challenges. Seeing women take on a 160 km run reinforces that strength is not defined by speed or scale, but by the willingness to start and to keep going. We hope stories like these inspire more women to take that first step towards a more active and confident version of themselves. "

Can endurance redefine what we believe is possible?

For Captain Pooja Mehra, this run is another chapter in a remarkable journey that includes extreme challenges across India: “This run is not just about covering 160 kilometres, it is about pushing boundaries and redefining what we believe is possible.”

“Every endurance challenge I take on is a mission driven by purpose, discipline, and the desire to inspire others, especially women, to break barriers. Pinkathon stands for empowerment and strength, and I am proud to be part of a movement that encourages women to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace challenges fearlessly. My journey has taught me that limitations are often self-defined, and with the right mindset, resilience can overcome anything," she said further.

For Poonam Karanjkar, the journey is deeply personal: “This run is incredibly special to me as it marks both a personal milestone, celebrating 10 years of running and a return to a journey that has given me some of my most cherished memories. Spirit of Pinkathon is more than just a run; it is an emotion that inspires women to believe in themselves and take that first step, no matter how difficult it may seem. I hope my journey encourages more women to move past their fears, embrace fitness, and realise that they are capable of far more than they imagine.”

(With inputs from ANI)