A hard task to accomplish: Friends manage to cover nearly half the distance of Ranikot Fort’s wall

Unpredictable weather and uneven pathway were main setbacks to the boys’ challenge.

KARACHI: The task to run the entire length of the 30-kilometre wall of the Ranikot Fort proved too big for Shahrukh Chaudhry and Usman Iqbal who managed to cover only 14 kilometres on Sunday. Their spirits, however, remained undaunted as they managed to achieve their prime — bringing attention to the Great Wall of Sindh.

Unpredictable weather and the uneven pathway were the main factors in the setback to the boys’ challenge. “We planned four kilometres per hour but could hardly cover even half of our target as it was a very difficult route,” Chaudhry told The Express Tribune after finishing the adventure. Both the friends started the sprint in their running attire but had to cover up with jackets to protect themselves from the cold.



They started from the Sun Gate at the north of the fort. “The northern side was very difficult and we lost our way because of the mountainous path.

We lost a lot of time searching for the right route,” Chaudhry explained.

“Though it was a very difficult and tiring journey, we at least made an attempt,” said a worn out Iqbal. “There isn’t room for mistakes in such attempts and unfortunately, we lost our way.”

According to Iqbal, apart from the manmade construction, the wall also includes parts of the mountainous path, adding that it was not possible to walk on the entire wall.

There was no communication system in the area and the 16-member team, which was left behind, was told by the adventurous boys that they would be back at a certain time. When they didn’t come back at the specified time, the team started to worry. “We were also worried that our team members could leave the camp to look for us,” the boys said. “Without a reliable communication system, it is hard to accomplish such a mission.”

Citing another reason for their half-accomplished task, the boys told The Express Tribune that without proper information about the entire route, it was difficult to travel even a few miles.

“We did the best we could with what little information we had. Even the locals were unaware of the path.”

Chaudhry, however, was excited about their first attempt, saying, “We learnt a lot.” If arrows or signs were displayed at certain points, one could easily complete the entire route, he added.

Both the boys claimed that they had filmed their journey. “The documentary will also help others to know about the great wall,” said Chaudhry.

Though the task was not completed on Sunday, the boys are optimistic that they will be able to cover the entire distance in the second attempt soon.

“I am not sure when we’ll go back again but we’ll explore the complete wall whenever we do,” said Chaudhry while travelling back to Karachi with the entire team.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2013.