Karachi Marathon draws huge crowds

The metropolitan city on Sunday witnessed its inaugural marathon, a 42.2km international- standard race sanctioned by the World Athletics Federation.  The race, which started from  Nishan-e-Pakistan at Clifton   Beach and concluded at the same point, marked a significant milestone in the city’s   sporting history. Aamir Sohail, a promising   young athlete, emerged victorious, covering the 42.4km distance in an impressive 2 hours, 36 minutes, and 9 seconds. His achievement earned him a well- deserved prize of Rs500,000.  Asrar Khattak secured the second position, and Aamir Abbas claimed the third spot.  In the women’s category, Mah Noor emerged as the winner.  

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The 21.1km marathon was won by Hafeez Al Barakat, covering   the distance in one hour, 17   minutes, and 12 seconds. The event attracted participation from not only local enthusiasts but also foreigners, diplomats, youth, elderly individuals, and children, adding a diverse and vibrant dimension   to the marathon. Among the participants was   Sindh Caretaker Sports Minister Dr Syed Junaid Ali, underscoring the significance of sports in the community.  Raunaq Lakhani, Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan, actively took part in  the  opening ceremony.

Provincial Sports Minister Dr Syed Junaid Ali  Shah  and   Raunaq Lakhani hailed the  organisation of Karachi’s   first  marathon  sanctioned  by   the International Athletics  Federation terming it as a positive initiative essential for building a healthy society. Shoaib Nizami, the organiser of the marathon, expressed pride in the success of the event.  Acknowledging the cooperation  of  security  agencies  and   the  Sindh  government,  he  announced  plans  to  elevate  the   marathon  to  an  international   level next year. The prize distribution ceremony marked the culmination of this historic marathon, leaving a lasting impression on  Karachi’s sports landscape.