Grandmothers’ Run
On a crisp Sunday morning at the Vivekanand Education Society grounds in Chembur, Mumbai witnessed a quietly powerful revolution. More than 50 senior women laced up their running shoes and took to the track for the Grandmothers’ Run, a special format hosted by Zydus Pinkathon, India’s largest women’s running platform. With distances spanning 2.5K, 5K, and 10K, the run celebrated not speed or competition, but vitality, resilience, and the simple truth that age is no barrier to movement. TheGlitz, captivated by this stirring celebration of active ageing and resilience, reports…
Grandmothers’ Run: A Format That Challenges Stereotypes
Now in its third edition, the Grandmothers’ Run is a natural extension of Pinkathon’s philosophy of inclusion. Over the years, the platform has consistently challenged social and cultural barriers that keep women away from sport. From saree runs and saree cycling to hijab runs, Pinkathon has redefined what participation looks like. The Grandmothers’ Run builds on that legacy, shifting the spotlight firmly onto older women… an age group often overlooked in mainstream fitness narratives. The sight of senior women confidently walking and running was a direct challenge to the long-held stereotype that ageing equals slowing down.
Building Momentum Towards Pinkathon Mumbai 2025
The event also served as a prelude to the much-anticipated Zydus Pinkathon Mumbai 2025, scheduled for December 20 and 21 at the MMRDA Grounds, BKC. Beyond being a race calendar highlight, Pinkathon continues to be deeply rooted in women’s health advocacy, with sustained initiatives around breast cancer awareness, early detection, and screenings. The Grandmothers’ Run reinforced the idea that fitness is not a phase but a lifelong commitment, one that supports physical strength, mental wellbeing, and independence at every stage of life.
Voices That Inspire Across Generations
Speaking at the event, the hearthrob of the ’90s, Milind Soman, actor, endurance athlete, and founder of Pinkathon, summed up the spirit behind the run. He noted that society often expects grandmothers to remain confined to domestic roles, but this initiative seeks to rewrite that narrative. According to him, being over 60 or 70 does not mean life has to slow down. The event, he emphasised, was not only for those running but also for those watching… especially younger generations who could see, in real time, a more empowered and active version of ageing.
Remarkable Performances, Powerful Messages
The day’s standout performances underscored that message vividly. Neelima Kale, aged 68, completed the 10 km distance with determination. Rajani Pawar, 73, took on the 5 km category, while 82-year-old Pushpa Mody led the 2.5 km segment, drawing applause and admiration from spectators and fellow participants alike. Their achievements were not framed as exceptions but as possibilities, proof that endurance, confidence, and competitive spirit are not bound by age.
Fitness as a Way of Life
Pinkathon Ambassador Neelima Kale added another layer of inspiration when she revealed that the 10K was merely a warm-up. She is set to run 100 kilometres at the upcoming Pinkathon, marking her third such ultra-distance run with the platform. Her journey reflects how many women rediscover movement later in life, often after retirement, and go on to build strength and self-belief through consistent training and community support.
A Movement, Not Just a Run
Ankita Konwar, Founder of Invincible Women, highlighted what makes the Grandmothers’ Run especially meaningful. These participants, she said, are not professional athletes but everyday women from diverse backgrounds, inspired by each other. That relatability creates a powerful ripple effect… when one woman dares to try, many more begin to believe they can too.
TheGlitz Verdict: Age, Rewritten
Founded in Mumbai in 2012, Pinkathon has evolved from a women-only run into a nationwide movement that brings together women across cities, generations, and abilities. The Grandmothers’ Run in Chembur was not merely a fitness event but a powerful social statement, challenging deeply ingrained ideas about ageing, femininity, and physical capability.
At a time when older women are often expected to retreat into quieter, invisible roles, these participants claimed space with confidence and purpose. The format underlined a crucial truth: fitness is not about speed, youth, or aesthetics, but about agency, choice, and sustained well-being. By creating an inclusive platform that celebrates movement at every life stage, Pinkathon continues to redefine how India views ageing — not as a limitation, but as a chapter rich with strength, possibility, and self-belief. In Chembur, these senior women did more than run; they quietly rewrote the narrative of growing older. TheGlitz says: More power to these amazing women!
