Hundreds of people from all over Pakistan hit the roads for the Islamabad Marathon 2023 organized by the local running community, Islamabad Run With Us.
Race To End Polio
IRU collaborated with Pakistan Polio Eradication Program and dedicated the 2nd edition of the Islamabad Marathon with the theme Race To End Polio in Pakistan to raise awareness and encourage people to vaccinate children under the age of five against polio. District Administration Islamabad, District Health Office and Capital Traffic Police fully supported the event.
The weather conditions were ideal for the 42.2-km marathon run, and the number of participants increased significantly compared with the 2022 edition. The event was well-organized and attracted a large number of families, including the elderly and children, who gathered to cheer for the runners.
Running categories
The running event included five different categories to encourage a wide range of participation from people of all ages and athletic abilities. Besides the 42-km full marathon, there was a half marathon category comprising of 21 km distance, as well as shorter legs of 10 km and 5 km of running.
A special category of ‘Kids Fun Run’ for children under 14 years was also organized to encourage children, who participated with great enthusiasm. There were cash prizes for the top 3 runners.
Qasim Naz, the founder of Islamabad Run With Us, said the main objective of organizing the marathon was to promote a healthy lifestyle and project a positive image of Pakistan all over the world. Starting the run from the base of the Maragalla Hills, the runners also passed through the scenic jungle at Shakarparian during the 21.1 and 42.2 km marathon run.
Notable participants
Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Jakob Linulf also participated in the event and ran the Full Marathon (42.2 km). He was thrilled to be part of the biggest running event in the capital.
“Me and my brother enjoyed the enthusiasm shown by Pakistanis of all age groups coming from different cities to participate in the marathon organized by ‘Islamabad Run with Us’,” he said after participating in the marathon.
“Such initiatives serve as a great way to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices. I hope Pakistanis integrate such healthy activities into their everyday lives,” he added.
Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, Mr. Knut Otsby, who is a regular member of the running community in Islamabad also ran the 10km race. Other notable participants included Chief Guest Mr. Hamish Young, representing Pakistan Polio Eradication Program, Ms. Rina Saeed Khan, Chairperson Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), and Commercial Director Adam Milk Foods Limited Babar Riaz.
