Thousands of local, national, and international runners gathered in Islamabad joined the 5th Islamabad Marathon on Sunday (January 26, 2025) to celebrate athleticism, community, and healthy living.
Organized by Islamabad Run with Us (IRU), the event highlighted Islamabad’s scenic beauty and also positioned Pakistan as a safe and welcoming destination for international travelers. Several participants traveled specifically to Pakistan to join the event.
Over 3,000 participants, including women, children, and members of the diplomatic community, took part in the event, making it a vibrant and inclusive celebration of fitness and camaraderie.
The Islamabad Marathon has emerged as a key driver of marathon tourism, attracting runners from Europe, America, and beyond. “We started promoting the running culture in Islamabad in 2016, and this marathon began in 2020,” said Qasim Naz, founder of IRU. “It’s heartening to see the event evolve into a family festival, with increasing participation from women, kids, and the diplomatic community.”
Islamabad Marathon 2025 Winners
The marathon, sponsored by Milo, featured five categories: Full Marathon (42.2km), Half Marathon (21km), 10km run, 5km race, and a dedicated Kids Fun Race.
In the full marathon, Israr Khattak of the Pakistan Army took top honors, earning widespread applause for his outstanding performance. Sohail Amir triumphed in the half marathon, while Atiq ur Rehman dominated the 5-kilometer race, and Mohammad Ikram secured victory in the 10-kilometer category.
In the women’s events, a Norwegian athlete claimed first place in the marathon, further highlighting the growing international appeal of the Islamabad Marathon.
- Full Marathon (42.2 km):
- Winner: Israr Khattak (Pakistan Army)
- Notable Participant: 13-year-old Ahmad Abdullah, who completed the full marathon, inspiring others with his dedication to fitness.
- Women’s Full Marathon Winner: A Norwegian athlete.
- Half Marathon (21 km) Winner: Sohail Amir
- 10 Kilometer Race Winner: Mohammad Ikra
- 5 Kilometer Race Winner: Atiq ur Rehman
Innovative features and family-friendly activities
This year’s marathon introduced RFID technology to track runners’ timings accurately across all categories. Runner safety was ensured by a team of volunteers, cyclists, and route marshals, while Kinetic Gym Trainers led warm-up sessions to prepare participants for the race.
Beyond the races, the event catered to families and friends, offering food stalls, fun activities, and a lively atmosphere. The marathon concluded with an awards ceremony, where winners across all categories received a total of PKR 1 million in cash prizes.
Diplomatic participation in Islamabad Marathon 2025
The event saw notable participation from international dignitaries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, who completed a 10-kilometer run, and Denmark’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jakob Linulf, who took on the challenging Full Marathon. They were joined by diplomats from Australia, France and Russia, among others, adding to the event’s international appeal.
“I am really happy and proud to be part of the Islamabad Marathon,” the UAE Ambassador said. “It’s inspiring to see over 3,000 participants from different communities coming together with their families in this energetic environment. The UAE embassy fully supports such initiatives.”
Australian Ambassador Neil Hawkins said he was thrilled to join the marathon with fellow diplomats and congratulated all the participants.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle
The Islamabad Marathon aimed to inspire a culture of fitness and well-being, particularly among younger generations. “Our vision is to encourage youngsters to be involved in physical activities, especially in today’s social media world, ,” said Salman Lodhi, an IRU member.
Dr. Peter Deli, a veteran runner from Hungary with over 30 years of experience, praised the event for its impact on physical and mental health. Deli shared that the 2025 edition was his third Islamabad Marathon, and that he was excited to see more people join the event.
The 2025 Islamabad Marathon was more than just a sporting event; it was a celebration of unity, health, and Pakistan’s potential as a global destination. By bringing together runners from diverse backgrounds, the event fostered a sense of community and showcased the country’s commitment to promoting a healthier and more active society.
As the sun set on a successful day, participants and organizers alike looked forward to the next edition of the Islamabad Marathon, which continues to grow in scale, impact, and international appeal.