Over 4,000 run in Karachi Marathon

Israr Khattak, Anab Khan shine in 42km race contested by local, foreign athletes

Listen to article

KARACHI:

The second edition of Karachi Marathon was successfully held on Sunday with stellar performances from Israr Khattak, who hails from Karak district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and Anab Khan of Karachi in the men's and women's categories, respectively.

The long-run saw over 4,000 participants, including professional athletes, international runners, and local enthusiasts, starting from Nishan-e-Pakistan at Sea View.

The highlight of the 42-kilometre race was Israr Khattak, who completed the course in 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 13 seconds to clinch the top position. Muhammad Riaz from Bahawalpur came in second, finishing in 2 hours, 32 minutes, and 13 seconds. Khattak won a cash prize of Rs500,000, while Riaz received Rs250,000.

In the women's category, Anab Khan triumphed with a time of 3 hours, 47 minutes, and 49 seconds, earning Rs500,000 cash prize. Zeba Shah Abbasi came in second, completing the course in 4 hours, 1 minute, and 13 seconds, and took home Rs250,000. The half marathon (21 kilometres) also witnessed exceptional talent. Muhammad Akhtar from Sahiwal emerged victorious, clocking 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 8 seconds. Muhammad Qasim from Sialkot followed closely with a time of 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 53 seconds. They won cash prizes of Rs50,000 and Rs40,000 respectively.

In the women's half marathon, Mumtaz Niamat from Gilgit secured first place with a time of 1 hour, 43 minutes, and 26 seconds, while Dua Nazakat clinched second position with a time of 1 hour, 51 minutes, and 45 seconds. Both received Rs50,000 and Rs40,000 respectively.

The marathon included a variety of races: a full marathon, half marathon, relay race, and a 10-kilometre fun run. The route spanned DHA Phase 6, Phase 8, Do Darya, and AQ Khan Park, with over 230 athletes participating in the full marathon and more than 600 runners in the half marathon.Prominent personalities, including Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani, joined political, social, and showbiz celebs to encourage participants. Special security arrangements ensured a smooth and safe event.