Mumbai:
Around 2,000 women, including Bollywood actors and celebrities, put on their running shoes in Mumbai today and joined the Pinkathon run to create awareness against breast cancer.
The internationally renowned Pinkathon has been initiated in India by former model and fitness enthusiast Milind Soman. The run was conducted in three categories - 10 km, 5 km and 3 km - at the Bandra Kurla Complex and flagged off by actor Karisma Kapoor.
"It's a great cause and the turnout has been fabulous. Everyone, in their own way, wants to contribute to the society; if we can draw awareness to such a great cause it's a wonderful thing," Ms Kapoor told NDTV.
Fifty women from the Mumbai police, school girls and a group of nine tribal women joined the marathon. Among the celebrities who took part were actors Tara Sharma and Lisa Haydon and VJ Anusha Dandekar.
"It's good to come out and support something close to you and create awareness. There is nothing greater than the personal experience. I would tell all women to get checked (for breast cancer) and take care of themselves," said Ms Haydon.
Actor Shahana Goswami said Pinkathon was a great way to spread awareness about breast cancer. "There is the fitness element as well; it's also about promoting the idea of women focusing on their health, whether that's through running or walking," she said.
Actor Bipasha Basu, who was not present at the event, said: "Cancer is a word, not a sentence. Don't let this disease define who you are as a person. There are countless women who brave breast cancer every day. The strength they hold is an inspiration to all. Initiatives like the Pinkathon urge everyone to become more aware."
The organisers donated Rs 2 lakh to the Women's Cancer Initiative and Tata Memorial Hospital. Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Varsha Gaikwad was present to encourage the participants.