'Highest ever altitude race': Pakistanis shine at G-B marathon

Participants run at 4,693 metres above sea-level


News Desk September 21, 2019
Participants run at 4,693 metres above sea-level. PHOTO: AFP

One hundred and fifty-four runners from both Pakistan and abroad took part in a marathon from Khunjerab pass to Sust on Saturday, a small town in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B).

The participants ran at 4,693 metres above sea-level, according to a statement issued by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Saturday.

Thirty nine of the foreign participants came from 17 countries.

Pakistan Army's Muhammad Siyar bagged the top spot in the 50km race while Aslam Khan, who hails from G-B, came in second with Muhammad Iqbal winning the third position.

In the 42km race, the army athletics team bagged the first three positions with Umair Haider, Muhammad Faheem and Sohail Tanveer coming out on top.

Similarly, in the 21km race, Mirza Aslam Baig came first with Abdul Muheet and Musawarur Rehman bagging the second and third positions.

PAF joined hands with international marathon travel company, Z Adventures, as well as, Serena Hotels for the event.

Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan and Air Marshal Aasim Zaheer, President Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan were also present at the occasion.

The foreign athletes who arrived in G-B praised the natural beauty of the valley and hospitality of Pakistani people," the PAF said in its press release.

Last year, the event was held at an altitude of 11,300 feet (3,444 meters) above the sea-level at Naltar valley of G-B. The event aims to promote tourism and a soft image in the world.

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