Pakistani athletes on Saturday won the first-ever Khunjerab Highest Altitude Road Marathon.
According a press release issued by the Pakistan Air Force, it was a momentous occasion in the history of Pakistan as 154 ecstatic long distance runners from across the world enthusiastically ran on the descending Karakoram Highway, starting from the magnificent Khunjerab Top and ending at Sust, a small town in the majestic pass.
This highest ever marathon took place at an elevation of 4,693 meter above the sea level near Khunjerab Top, and featured a unique blend of young and old, local and foreign, male and female long distance runners, sweating out on the 8th wonder of the world.
In 50 kilometers race, Mohammad Siyar from Pak Army clinched the first position, whereas Aslam Khan from GB Scouts remained the runner-up. The third position was clinched by Mohammad Iqbal.
In the 42km race, army’s athletics team dominated, bagging the first three coveted positions. Umair Haider secured first position and Mohammad Faheem and Sohail Tanveer clinched the second and third spots, respectively.
In 21km race, Mirza Aslam Baig remained the first, Abdul Muheet and Musawwar ur Rehman won the second and third positions, respectively.
The PAF had joined hands with the international marathon travel company, Z Adventures and Serena Hotels to showcase the real beauty of Pakistan to the world.
A total of 154 athletes, including 39 international runners from 17 countries, participated in the race, which was held in three categories, ultra marathon (50km), marathon (42km) and half-marathon (21km). GB Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman and Air Marshal Aasim Zaheer, President Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan, were also present on the occasion.
