The city of lights, Karachi, will host the internationally certified marathon in Pakistan for the first time on June 28. Hundreds of runners, including national and international athletes, are expected to attend it. The marathon is being held by Sports in Pakistan in collaboration with the caretaker, the 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 organising an internationally accredited marathon for the first time on Sunday.
The marathon is being organised 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. Still, this marathon is being held around the coastal routes without disturbing the hustle and bustle of the city.
Shoaib Nizam, CEO of Sports in Pakistan, said Pakistani athletes had been participating in international standards marathons in different countries for the last few years. Still, runners in Pakistan could qualify for international running events through the Karachi Marathon, which is 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 have 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 Mr Shoaib Nizami founded, has revolutionised 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, 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 recognised globally by all major marathon events worldwide. 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 participate in this 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.