Pakistan’s President Alvi leads first full marathon in Islamabad

Islamabad: President Dr Arif Alvi and First Lady Samina Alvi participated in the 10km run in Islamabad Marathon to raise awareness on health and encourage youth to take up sports.

The participants at Islamabad’s first full marathon were surprised to see the president and first lady join them. “Enjoyed every moment of the walk-jog-run,” President Alvi said on Twitter, sharing photos from the marathon, adding that he was pleased to meet youngsters and kids at the event. He urged youngsters to maintain physical fitness and move away from the sedentary lifestyle encouraged by technology and modern life.

Good fitness level

“Found myself reasonably fit,” the president wrote on Twitter, sharing that he walks four kilometres every day after Fajr prayers. President Alvi also admired a 72-year-old Sialkot man who completed the full 42-km marathon. Physical activity has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds. “A healthy body leads to a stress-free life and an intelligent mind.”

“MashAllah President Arif Alvi has a very good fitness level as he completed 10km loop” and was the “source of inspiration” at the marathon, said Imran Ghazali, the general manager of the government’s Digital Media Wing.

Islamabad Marathon

On Sunday, hundreds of men and women were seen sprinting on Islamabad’s iconic Margalla Road as they participated in the full marathon of 42.2km held in the capital city for the first time. The marathon included multiple categories, including 42.2km, 21km, and 10km to 5km slots, as well as a special category slot for children below 14 years. The running event saw participation from nearby cities as well.

‘Islamabad Marathon’ was organized by Islamabad Run with Us - a running community, founded by the city’s running enthusiasts. The group fosters a running culture in Islamabad and encourages a healthy and active lifestyle by organizing running and cycling events. The district administration also teamed with the group for the event.

More marathons in future

“We are excited to be part of this first of its kind activity in Islamabad. We have always strived to be an inclusive community with people from all walks of life encouraged to participate at our events,” said Qasim Naz, founder of Islamabad Run with Us. “Through activities like the marathon, we wish to bring Islamabad on the yearly full marathons calendar and invite international athletes to participate in future events,” he added.

Cash prizes were awarded to the winners of the top three positions in all categories. Senator Faisal Javed commended the organizers for arranging an event that ‘highlights the great sporting potential of Pakistan both nationally and internationally.”