Pink Power Run: Hyderabad's breast cancer awareness marathon returns with ₹75 lakh pool

The Sudha Reddy Foundation and MEIL Foundation announced the third edition of the Pink Power Run on Monday, with organisers expecting more than 20,000 participants. The event is scheduled for September 27 at People's Plaza, Necklace Road, Hyderabad.

The run will feature four race categories: 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, and an official 21.097 km half marathon. The half marathon course will be certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The total prize pool for the event is ₹75 lakh, and more than 100 winners are expected to benefit across all categories.

Sudha Reddy, chairperson of the Sudha Reddy Foundation and director of MEIL, said the run had started as a small dream and has now grown into a major annual event. In its third year, the Pink Power Run has become one of Hyderabad's most anticipated community marathons, drawing participants from various walks of life.

Dr Pragnya Chigurupati, a breast oncosurgeon at AIG Hospitals, underlined the initiative's importance given current breast cancer trends in Telangana. She noted that Telangana has the highest rate of breast cancer among women in the country, and that the incidence is rising among younger women. "That could be you or me," she said, urging women to prioritise regular screening and early detection. The Pink Power Run, she said, is a platform to spread this message through fitness and community participation.

Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, spoke about her association with the cause. She said she was grateful to be invited back and recalled participating in a Pink Power Run activity in Vietnam during the Miss World Festival, highlighting how the initiative has extended beyond India. Her presence is expected to boost the event's visibility and encourage more participants, especially young women.

The Pink Power Run is also supported by AIG Hospitals, which provides medical expertise and facilitates breast health awareness campaigns during the event. Organisers have planned a range of activities alongside the main runs, including health talks and zumba warm-up sessions, to engage families and first-time runners.

The event is open to all ages and fitness levels, with the shorter distances aimed at promoting community participation. The 21.097 km half marathon will follow a route along Necklace Road, offering scenic views of Hussain Sagar Lake. Certificates and timing chips will be provided to all half marathon participants, and winners will receive medals and cash prizes.

Registration details and category-wise prizes are expected to be announced in the coming weeks on the Pink Power Run website and social media channels. Interested participants are encouraged to register early, as the previous editions saw full capacity enrolment.

Sudha Reddy expressed confidence that the third edition will build on the success of previous years, creating a larger impact in the fight against breast cancer. "This run is not just about fitness; it is about raising awareness and saving lives," she said. The Foundation and MEIL continue to support healthcare initiatives in the state, and the Pink Power Run remains a flagship project for both organisations.