Kathmandu, January 11

Leisure Port Nepal Pvt Ltd, under the aegis of United Sisters Foundation, is organising the Pinkathon Kathmandu here on February 23.

The event features four categories — half marathon (21km), 10km, 5km and 3km races. Although the race is more of raising awareness and encouraging women to adapt an active lifestyle, the top three winners in 21km event will get Rs 51,000, Rs 31,000 and Rs 21,000 respectively, informed the organisers meet today. A turn out of more than 5,000 participants is expected in the event this year.

Likewise, the top three athletes in 10km race will earn Rs 31,000, Rs 21,000 and Rs 11,000 respectively, while the 5km winner will receive Rs 11,000. The athletes will get Rs 1,000 per second if they break the national record. The organisers are yet to decide the venue for the race.

Pinkathon, a popular event in India with the race held every year in eight different cities, started in Nepal three years ago. United Sister’s Foundation has provided Leisure Port with the responsibility of organising the race in Nepal.

Founder of Pinkathon and Indian actor Milind Soman urged women to be a part of the event. “It’s not only a race and it’s more than women empowerment and more than women health. Women should be encouraged to take up some physical activities, be it running, yoga or aerobics,” he said.

Franchise owner Namraj Joshi slammed Nepal Athletics Association for not helping them in the first edition. “They did not help us then and we do not need their support now,” said Joshi when asked about the approval of the event.

Tournament Coordinator and athletics coach Raghu Onta said the NAA might not approve the national record. “The association might not recognise the record but we will send request from our side if any athlete sets new mark,” he said. Two-time defending champion Kanchhi Maya Koju has already confirmed her participation.