'Twin City Run' draws massive crowd

Strong participation from women, families and children underscores inclusivity

ISLAMABAD:

The inaugural "Twin City Run" proved a resounding success, uniting hundreds of runners, families, and community members in a landmark Half Marathon (21.1 km) linking Rawalpindi and Islamabad, alongside a 5km community run.

The event commenced with palpable excitement at Saddar Metro Station, Rawalpindi. Participants embarked on a distinctive and scenic course that offered far more than a competitive challenge — charting a symbolic path through the region's rich heritage and modern urban landscape.

The route passed key landmarks, including the Army Museum and the historic Raja Bazaar, before transitioning to Islamabad's expansive avenues and concluding in a celebratory finish at the nation's civic epicentre, D-Chowk.

The run was marked by notable inclusivity, with a strong turnout of women, families, and children.

Participants widely praised the experience — particularly the rare opportunity to run from one city directly into another — along with the commemorative medal designed exclusively for the event.

"Running from the historical heart of Pindi to the centre of Islamabad was exhilarating, especially with music driving us forward," said Usman, who travelled from Lahore to take part.

"The run's emphasis on environmental protection made the achievement all the more meaningful," noted journalist Maria Memon, after completing the 5km route.

"The enthusiasm was extraordinary. Watching women, children, and families running from Pindi's historic sites to the centre of Islamabad was genuinely unique and deeply unifying," said Fahad Qureshi, organiser of the Twin City Run.

The atmosphere was further enlivened by live musical performances along the course. Local artists delivered continuous motivation through dynamic drumming and traditional dhol rhythms, lifting the spirits of runners from start to finish.

A remarkable highlight for many was the unprecedented opportunity to traverse designated sections of the elevated Metro track — a striking reminder of the event's wider mission: to champion increased use of the Metro system as a means to curb traffic emissions and foster a cleaner, more sustainable environment across the twin cities.