Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)
The city of lights, Karachi, will host the internationally
certified marathon for the first time in Pakistan on June 28, which is
expected to be attended by hundreds of runners, including national and
international athletes.
The marathon is being held by Sports in Pakistan in collaboration with
the caretaker provincial government of Sindh.
Addressing a press conference, Dr. Syed Junaid Ali Shah, Caretaker
Minister Sindh for Culture, Antiquities & Archives, Sports, and Youth
Affairs, said Pakistan as a state is going to record a historical
achievement by organizing an internationally accredited marathon for
the first time on Sunday.
The marathon is being organized following the deployment of
international-level benchmarking, technology, and proper routes,
similar to what can be witnessed in marathons held in London and
Paris.
The marathon is the biggest event across the world, with major roads
and arteries blocked to facilitate runners, but this marathon is being
held around the coastal routes without disturbing the hustle and
bustle of the city.
CEO Sports in Pakistan Shoaib Nizam said Pakistani athletes had been
participating in international standards marathons in different
countries for the last few years, but runners in Pakistan could
qualify for international running events through the Karachi Marathon
being held for the first time in Pakistan at an international level.
The dream came true after 15 years of community development in this
game. Finally, the world will see Karachi on the map, he remarked.
Sports in Pakistan has made Pakistan proud internationally on many
occasions, and more importantly, it unites the nation. While we have
accomplished great achievements in many sports, running was not one to
acquire attention and recognition. Over the years, Sports in Pakistan,
which was founded by Mr. Shoaib Nizami, has revolutionized both
running and cycling across Pakistan, including never-before-seen
female participation.
We are proud to be gathered here today to witness history being made
at the inauguration of the 1st Karachi Marathon on Sunday, January 28,
2024. This is the first full-distance (42.2 km) marathon, which is
measured and accredited by World Athletics, the international
governing body for athletic sports.
It is important to mention that all full-distance marathon runners in
this event will have their running time recognized globally by all
major marathon events around the world. Not only this, but every
runner can be tracked using a special app developed for this event.
Lastly, a participant doesn’t have to be an elite runner to be a part
of this momentous event; anyone can register for a half marathon
(21.1km) or a fun-filled 5 km for family and children, and every
participant will receive the same medal as the elite runners.
