The Islamabad Full Marathon, a premier sporting event, successfully concluded on Sunday, drawing a massive crowd of athletes and enthusiasts. The event showcased remarkable performances across various categories, highlighting the growing popularity of running in Pakistan.
Full Marathon Champions Crowned
In the men's full marathon, Sher Khan emerged victorious, demonstrating exceptional endurance and speed. He was closely followed by Israr Khattak in second place and Sajjad Ahmed in third, making it a competitive race to the finish line.
On the women's side, Salatant Sampina from Kazakhstan secured the top spot with an impressive run. Maria Pia of Italy finished second, while Pakistan's own Ayesha Mastur Butt claimed a well-deserved third place, adding to the national pride.
Half Marathon Highlights
The half marathon category also saw fierce competition. Muhammad Saleem took the men's title, with Shahbaz Masih and Muhammad Irfan finishing second and third respectively. In the women's half marathon, Sadia Maqbool from Pakistan won the race, followed by Elizabeth Heise from the United States in second and Marta Padilla from Spain in third.
Shorter Distance Races
In the 10km race, Muhammad Riaz triumphed in the men's category, while Mahnoor Afzal emerged victorious in the women's event. The 5km race witnessed Muhammad Akhtar and Irum Shahzadi winning the men's and women's titles respectively, showcasing talent across all levels.
Event Overview and Impact
The marathon featured five exciting categories: 5km, 10km, half marathon, full marathon, and a kids' fun run. It attracted over 6,000 participants from Pakistan and abroad, making it a truly international affair. Organized by the Islamabad Running Union (IRU), the event aims to promote running as a healthy lifestyle and celebrate values of unity, fitness, and community spirit.
This year's marathon not only highlighted athletic excellence but also reinforced the importance of sports in fostering social cohesion and physical well-being. The diverse participation underscores the event's role in putting Pakistan on the global running map.
