With requests for information and registration pouring in daily, the Stayfree DNA I Can Women's Half Marathon to be held on Sunday has become one of the most talked-about events of the year.
The excitement is palpable not just among the organisers and partnering NGOs and corporate houses but also among the participants. "It feels amazing that I will be part of the first-ever women's half marathon in the country," says collegian Khushboo Vora, who is participating in the 5km run with her friends.
Vora, who is running for the cause of public safety of women, feels that a large-scale event like this would help bring in more attention to the three causes being taken up by the Stayfree DNA I Can Women's Half Marathon — girls' education, cervical cancer awareness and safety of women in public places.
"Very few women know that cervical cancer can be detected early by a simple PAP test. It is an outpatient procedure and does not require any operation or anaesthesia. It's just like taking your blood pressure," says Dr Sudeshna Ray, consulting gynaecologist at the Jaslok Hospital which is the medical partner of the Stayfree DNA I Can Women's Half Marathon.
Dr Mehboob Basade, medical oncologist at Jaslok Hospital feels that the half marathon has the potential of creating wide-scale public awareness. "Although this part of the womb is easily accessible, very often it is missed by the individual and they come to us very late. That's why all women above 40 years must be made aware that they need to undergo a PAP test regularly. These days vaccines are also easily available," Dr Basade adds.
Meanwhile, the organisers have roped in health and fitness guru Mickey Mehta to conduct warm-up sessions with the participants on the D-day. "I will be at the venue early to share tips and hold sessions on stretching exercises before and after the run," he says. All participants will receive gift vouchers for week-long trial sessions at Mehta's fitness centre Mickey Mehta's 360 Gym.
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