It was a historic moment in the history of Pakistan, when over 150 charged up athletes from all over the world ran a marathon in the picturesque valley of Naltar, Gilgit.
The event was organised by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in collaboration with international marathon travel company, Z Adventures, and Serena Hotels.
The first of its kind high-altitude marathon took place at an elevation of 11,300 ft above sea-level, featuring a unique blend of young and old, local and foreign, male and female long distance runners, sweating out on the winding road linking Naltar with the eighth wonder of the world, Karakoram Highway.
A total of 150 athletes, including 35 international runners from 24 countries, participated in the 42 kilometre race. Besides, a half-marathon of 21km was also arranged for the amateur category. Air Vice Marshal Sarfraz Khan, Air Officer Commanding Northern Air Command, was the chief guest at the closing ceremony.
In 42km category, Aslam Khan from Ghizer Gilgit clinched first position whereas local sensation Ishaq Khan remained the runner-up. Third on the podium was Ubaidur Rehman from Gilgit.
In the female category, foreigners dominated the race and won the first three coveted positions. Caroline Drew from UK was the first to complete the race; while Canadian Heather Lee got the second position. Hungarian Edit Kiss finished third in the race.
In the 21km category, Shahid Ali secured first position; whereas Adnan Khan and Nazar Shah won the second and third spots, respectively. In the same category for females, Nadia Rahim outpaced her rivals while Kokab Sarwar and Sobia Ali trailed behind at second and third positions.
Published in Daily Times, August 31st 2018.
