Karachi woman journalist to run Athens Marathon

For the first time, three Pakistani nationals, including a woman, will be running this year's Athens Marathon, to be organised in Greece on November 12.

As per details, the Pakistani runners, Mustafa Khan, Muhammad Yousuf, and Mona Khan, will join over 60,000 athletes from 140 countries in the race.

Although Pakistani runners have participated in other long-distance foot races worldwide, but it will be the first time any athlete would be representing Pakistan in Athens Marathon.

Marathon was first held at the revival of the Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. Several countries have annually hosted international marathon events ever since. The most well-known among them are Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, and Tokyo marathons.

Participation in the Athens Marathon, which was officially inaugurated in 1972, is a source of great pride for any athlete. Unfortunately, the 2020 edition had been cancelled due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The 2023 race would be the 50th edition of Athens Marathon.

Although Muhammad Yousuf has run long distance races in the past, it will be Mona Khan's first international exposure.

Also read: Pakistani runners shine at Chicago marathon

She will be not only the first Pakistani woman to participate in the Athens Marathon but also the first Pakistani woman journalist to take part in any international marathon.

"I am a professional journalist from Karachi, with more than a decade of experience," Mona Khan said. After working for 12 years in various television channels, I currently host a show on the state-run PTV.

"I have spent four months preparing for this marathon and I am very excited to participate in the race," she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14^th, 2023.