Karachi hosts Pakistan's first internationally certified marathon

In a positive development for fitness geeks across Pakistan, the country hosted its first-ever internationally certified marathon in Karachi on Sunday.

The World Athletics-certified Marathon offered a one-of-a-kind experience to its participants owing to international standards with proper routes and other essential characteristics of marathons held abroad in cities such as Paris, London etc.

The event saw Sohail Amir triumphing in the 42.2-kilometre full marathon, completing the distance in two hours, 36 minutes, and nine seconds.

Meanwhile, Israr Khatak finished second and Aamer Abbas secured the third position. Meanwhile, in the women’s full marathon, Mahnoor led the race.

The 21.1-kilometre half marathon was clinched by Hafeezul Barkat, as she completed the distance in one hour, 17 minutes, and 12 seconds. In the half marathon, Akram finished second, and Zaher Shah secured the third position.

Muhammad Junaid, a Geo News anchor, also participated in the marathon and he ran a 21.21km distance in one hour, 47 minutes and 51 seconds time period at a 5:05 km/per hour pace.

While talking to Geo News, CEO of Sports in Pakistan Shoaib Nizam said that over the past eight to 10 years, there has been a noticeable surge in the popularity of marathon running among Pakistanis.

"Numerous individuals have engaged in international marathons such as Berlin, Chicago, London, and Tokyo, inspiring a growing interest in participation within Pakistan," he said.