Faizan stays ahead in record marathon participation

Islamabad: : Faizan Zulfikhar emerged as the best marathon runner as he ran away with the main category title amid hundreds thronged in to participate in the Adam’s Islamabad Marathon on Sunday.

In a full marathon of 42.2km, Faizan stood ahead of Umair (runner-up) and Mubaris Bukhari (second runner-up). In the female category of a full marathon, Enub finished ahead of others. She was followed by Amina Shah and Ayesha. Hundreds of participants from different cities along with the diplomatic community based in Pakistan participated in the 4th edition of the Marathon which was organized by enthusiasts from the running community Islamabad Run With Us (IRU). Despite some drizzle and overcast weather conditions, a great increase in the number of participants from last year was witnessed as over 1500 runners participated in the different categories.

The Islamabad Marathon 2024 was organized with the full support of the Capital Development Authority, Islamabad, District Administration Islamabad, and Capital Traffic Police. With the beautiful Maragalla Hills in the backdrop, the runners also passed through the scenic jungle at Shakarparian as they completed their 21.1 and 42.2 km distances.

Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, H.E. Jakob Linulf participated in the run and appreciated the role of organizers in putting a great running event. Jakob also ran a full marathon last year along with his brother.

High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan Neil Hawkins also attended the Islamabad Marathon and loved how the running community from different walks of life participated. The event has a special appearance by a USA-based veteran 74 years old Marathon runner, Brent Weigner, who ran his 398thMarathon and Pakistan was his 205th country to run a marathon. Talking about his experience, Brent said, he loved the atmosphere and appreciated the love and warm welcome he got from the people of Pakistan.

Full marathon of 42km, Half marathon of 21 km, 10 km and 5 km running were the categories that were primarily chosen for adults and teenagers. A special category of ‘Kids Fun Run’ for children under 14 years was also organized to encourage children, and they loved their participation with great enthusiasm. To encourage the runners Cash Prizes were given to the top 3 winners from all categories.

Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Anwar-ul-Haq was the chief guest and addressed the closing ceremony and appreciated IRU for organizing an international-level running event in Islamabad. He also mentioned that Islamabad will soon have safe and dedicated tracks for cycling to promote healthy activities. Besides the main category of Marathon, other category winners included

Half Marathon (21km)

Female Category: Jennie (first), Christina (runner-up), Huma Rehman (second runner-up)

Male Category: Muhammad Naveed (first), Muhammad Irfan (runner-up) and Muhammad Naghman (second runner-up).

10 km

Female Category: Rabeela Farooq (first), Maheen Tahir (runner up), Anum Tahir (second runner up).

Male Category: Mohammad Akhtar (winner), Riaz (runner-up), Waqar Ahmed (second runner-up).

5km

Male Category: Sami Ullah (winner), Kamil Hussain (runner-up), Junaid Dildar (second runner-up).

5km

Female Category: Amna Khan (winner), Laila Kazmi (runner-up) and Kanwal (second runner-up).