Hundreds pour onto streets as Islamabad holds its first ‘full marathon’
The marathon had multiple categories, including 42.2 km, 21.1 km, and a 10 km to five km slot, as well as a special category slot for children under the age of 14. PHOTO: EXPRESS
A full marathon of 42.2 kilometres was held in Islamabad for the first time in the federal capital's history on Sunday.
The city's Margalla road saw hundreds of men and women runners from across Pakistan participating in the event of its kind. It also saw considerably healthy participation from the expatriate community.
President Arif Alvi was also part of the event organised by 'Islamabad - Run With Us' (IRU) and Adams Foods in collaboration with the district administration.
The marathon had multiple categories, including 42.2km, 21.1km, and a 10km to 5km slot, as well as a special category slot for children under the age of 14.
"We are excited to be part of this first of its kind activity in Islamabad. We have always strived to be an inclusive community with people from all walks of life encouraged to participate at our events," said the Founder of Islamabad Run With Us, Qasim Naz.
PHOTO: EXPRESS
He added that the marathon, like their other events, emphasised a clean and green environment.
"Through this activity, we wish to promote Pakistan internationally and bring Islamabad on the yearly full marathons calendar that even international athletes will participate in", he added.
Expressing his views, Commercial Director Adam Milk Foods Limited Babar Riaz said: “Adam's Milk Foods is synonymous with a healthy life and is always focused on developing and promoting a healthy lifestyle."
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He further said that "running is one of the healthiest sports and Adam's always looks forward to promoting it. IRU Marathon is one of its kind and Adam's takes pride in becoming the title sponsor of this event."
Cash prizes were awarded to the winners of the first three positions in all the categories by chief guest Senator Faisal Javed.
The senator appreciated the zeal of the participants and applauded the organisers for holding an event highlighting the sporting potential of the country, both nationally and internationally.
According to marathon organisers, all Covid-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) were strictly followed at the event.
Senator Faisal Javed. PHOTO: APP