On June 28, the city of lights, Karachi, will hold Pakistan’s first internationally certified marathon, which is expected to draw hundreds of runners, including national and international athletes.
Sports in Pakistan is organising the marathon in partnership with Sindh’s caretaker administration.
Dr. Syed Junaid Ali Shah, Caretaker Minister Sindh for Culture, Antiquities and Archives, Sports, and Youth Affairs, told a press conference that Pakistan will make history by hosting an internationally authorized marathon for the first time on Sunday.
The marathon will be arranged using international-level benchmarking, technology, and suitable routes, as seen in marathons in London and Paris.
The marathon is the world’s largest event, with main highways and arteries closed to facilitate runners, however this marathon is being held along seaside paths, avoiding the rush and bustle of the metropolis.
According to Shoaib Nizam, CEO of Sports in Pakistan, Pakistani athletes have been competing in international standard marathons in various countries in recent years, but runners in Pakistan can now qualify for international running events through the Karachi Marathon, which will be held for the first time in Pakistan at an international level.
The dream was realized after 15 years of community development in this game. Finally, the world will see Karachi on the map, he stated.
Sports in Pakistan have made Pakistan proud worldwide on numerous occasions, and more importantly, they unite the country. While we have achieved significant success in a variety of sports, running has received little attention or acknowledgment. Sports in Pakistan, created by Mr. Shoaib Nizami, has transformed both running and cycling in Pakistan, resulting in unprecedented female participation.
We are honored to be here today to witness history being made at the start of the first Karachi Marathon on Sunday, January 28, 2024. This is the first full-distance (42.2 km) marathon measured and certified by World Athletics, the international regulatory body for athletic activities.
It is vital to note that all full-distance marathon runners in this race will have their times recognized by all major marathon events worldwide. Not only that, but each runner may be tracked using a unique software created for the event.
Finally, no elite runner is required to participate in this historic event; anyone may register for a half marathon (21.1km) or a fun-filled 5 km for families and children, and all participants will receive the same medal as top runners.
