Fast and the furious: Marathon held to heighten awareness on substance abuse

Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan awards medals to winners

GILGIT: International and local athletes participated in a 42-kilometre marathon in Hunza on Saturday.

The event, titled Serena Hotels-Hunza Marathon 2016, was held to raise awareness about the negative impact of substance abuse.

A half-marathon was also organised to encourage young people to engage in the healthy exercise. At least 340 boys and girls participated in the marathon.

It was organised by Serena Hotels, and  held under the banner of Sports Diplomacy initiative in Karimabad, Hunza.

Serena Hotels Sports Diplomacy initiative held a week-long campaign in Hunza against substance abuse. This was the first high-altitude marathon to be held in the area. International athletes from Germany, Spain and Japan participated in the venture.

The marathon was followed by a prize distribution ceremony and cultural show at Hunza Serena Inn.

Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan, who was the chief guest, awarded medals to the winners of all the categories.

The first position in the male category was bagged by Semjon Parker, while Nadine Gill secured the first position in female category. Both athletes were from Germany. In the 10-km marathon, the first position was secured by Rizwan and Kishwar Karim. The winners of the 5-km marathon were Sajid Hussain and Nimla.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2016.