Second Karachi Marathon draws hundreds of runners in chilly weather

#Karachi #Marathon #draws #hundreds #runners #chilly #weather

KARACHI: The second Karachi Marathon recognized by World Athletics began on Sunday morning, with hundreds of professional and amateur runners taking part in the chilly weather.

The event includes a full marathon, a half marathon, and a fun run.

The organizers of the race said that the participants of the race came from different parts of the country including Islamabad, Karachi and Quetta. He said that not only Pakistan, runners also came from ten other countries including America, Poland, Japan and Germany to participate in this event.

The first track covers 10.1 km, stretching from Sea View to the gate of the golf club. After reaching the Golf Club, half marathon participants will return to the starting point at Seaview to complete a 21.1 kilometer loop.

Meanwhile, runners participating in the full marathon will continue their run to cover a total distance of 42.2 km.

The event also includes a five kilometer fun run, which is scheduled to start at 10 am today. In addition to professional runners, politicians, celebrities, and people from all walks of life are expected to join the fun run, making this weekend’s marathon a truly inclusive and dynamic event. .

‘Wonderful Opportunity’

Shoaib Nizami, Race Director of Karachi Marathon highlighted the importance of this year’s event.

“This year, the Karachi Marathon is a label race, which means participants will be eligible to qualify for other prestigious runs,” explained Nizami.

He added: “For the first time in Pakistan, local runners have the opportunity to qualify for international events like the Abbotts Age Group Championships. Participation has almost doubled from last year, with a notable increase in female participation. This is a wonderful opportunity for our runners, especially those aspiring to compete in an iconic race like the Boston Marathon.”

International recognition

Among the first-timers is Mustansar Bandukwala, in his late 50s, who turned to running after years of walking. “I’m training for a half marathon, and while it’s definitely a challenge, the support from the community has been incredible,” he shared.

“The good weather made the preparation easier, and the energy of the fellow runners was very encouraging.” He added that the enthusiastic crowd at the marathon will be a major morale booster on the day of the race.

Another first-time marathoner, Mazhar Walji, 66, sees the event as a beacon of positivity for Karachi. “It is a great honor for us to have the Karachi Marathon recognized as an international marathon,” Walji said.

“In a city that is often associated with negativity, this event sends a powerful message about Karachi and Pakistan. Seeing so many young people training and participating inspired me to get involved. I Citizen Foundation Also running to support, which adds a meaningful purpose to my journey.

Then Feroze Rizvi, 72, the oldest runner in the race, is determined to complete his first half marathon. “At my age, it is not easy to accept this challenge, but I am hopeful,” Rizvi said. “The most important thing is to finish, whether I meet the time limit or not. I’m running for charity, and that keeps me going.”

They believe that staying active is important for aging. “It’s easy to slow down after you retire, but you have to keep moving. As they say, ‘move it or lose it.’

Appreciating the fact that people came from abroad to participate in the event, former mayor of Karachi Wasim Akhtar said that his daughter also came from Houston, USA to participate in the race. He added that the participants of the marathon were very enthusiastic.

“The city needs healthy activities. If more sponsors come for the marathon, the arrangements will be more organized. Women should come forward. [in every field and their participation [in the event] “Welcome,” he said.

Full Marathon: On the other hand, Israr Khattak of Peshawar won the full marathon competition by completing the distance of 42.2 km in 2:29:58. While Muhammad Riaz of Bahalpur covered the distance in 2:32:10 and secured the second position.

Meanwhile, Anub Khan won the women’s full marathon by covering the distance in 3:47:49 and Zeba Shah Abbasi was the runner-up in 4:01:13.

Prizes of Rs 500,000 and Rs 250,000 were awarded to the winner and runner-up of the full marathon respectively.

Half Marathon: Muhammad Akhtar of Sahiwal completed the 21.5 km distance in 1:12:08 to win the half marathon, while Muhammad Qasim of Sialkot finished second in 1:12:53 and Muhammad Usman of Attock reached the finish line. Got the third position. In 1:14:13.

While the women’s half marathon title was won by Mumtaz Nemat of Gilgit by completing the race in 1:43:00. Dua Nizakat was the runner-up at 1:41:45.

The winner and runner-up of the half marathon received prizes of Rs 50,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively.