In the past, the six trails that thread through the Margalla Hills overshadowing the capital were used by firefighters as a pathway when they were putting out bushfires that broke out during the summers.

Then, diplomats and government officers who worked and lived on the Constitution Avenue and the Diplomatic Enclave began hiking there. Eventually, it became a tradition to head to the trails for treks and evening walks.

In keeping with this tradition, over 2,000 runners of all ages and genders took part in the Islamabad Marathon at the foot of these hills in the parking area of Trail 3 on a chilly morning, last Sunday. Some differently-abled people also participated in the marathon.

Teams of the Capital Development Authority had started making arrangements for this event weeks ago. Invitations were sent out by Islamabad Runs with Us, a community of runners based in Islamabad. The walk was also publicised in the area by the IRU.

Addressing the participants on the occasion, CDA chairman Capt Anwar-ul Haq (retired) announced that soon, roads in the city would have separate lanes for bicyclists.

The CDA chief, who organised a marathon for viualy hachallenged runners in 2021, when he was the deputy commissioner, encouraged students to take part in healthy activities and organise events that promote wellbeing.

Ambassador of Denmark Jakob Linulf also took part in the marathon. He had participated last year as well. His predecessor Lis Rosenholm was also a permanent feature on Cycling Sundays that were held on Jinnah Avenue those days. Then chief commissioner, Amer Ahmed Ali, started these activities in the capital.

According to the results, Faizan Zulfiqar bagged the first position in the full marathon in the male category. Umair and Mubaris Bukhari grabbed second and third positions, respectively. In the full marathon female category, Enub, Amina Shah and Ayesha Mastoor clinched the first, second and third positions, respectively.

In the half marathon, male category Naveed, Irfan and Naghman took the first, second and third positions. Jennie, Christina Vezel and Huma Rehman stood first, second and third in the female category.

In the 10 km male category, Akhtar, Riaz and Waqar Ahmed clinched the first, second and third positions while in the female category, Rabeela Farooq, Maheen Tahir and Anum Tahir took the first, second and third positions.

Journalist Rauf Klasra praised the efforts of the local administration in arranging such events. He also said that praise was due to diplomats from Denmark, Australia and the US for promoting running and cycling.

Commending the initiative to set aside special lanes for bicyclists he said, “This move would also reduce traffic on the roads. Maybe the city will start breathing better.”

If running and cycling are promoted in Islamabad, it can follow the path that Copenhagen has adopted to be amongst the world’s most sustainable and least polluted cities.

However, Muhammad Usman a student who also attended the event was unimpressed. “The marathon was a clumsy affair,” he said. “It could have been much better had the organisers made it a bit easier for university and college students [to participate].”

“Unfortunately people from various interest groups crowd such events where diplomats are invited. They try to socialise with them and curry favour. In the end, it’s just an elite bubble,” he said.

The writer teaches development support communication at International Islamic University Islamabad. He tweets @HassanShehzadZ