International runners arrive in Pakistan to participate in Karakoram Marathon

[Windjammer]

ISLAMABAD: Around 35 international runners from 24 countries have arrived in Pakistan to participate in Karakoram marathon challenge.

On their arrival at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Naltar, Air Vice Marshal Sarfraz Khan, Air Officer Commanding Northern Air Command welcomed the participants, said a press release issuedhere on Tuesday.

The unique high-altitude marathon challenge will take place at an altitude of 11,300 feetabove the sea-level at the Naltar Valley, Gilgit.

The event is organized by PAF in collaboration with international marathon travel company, Z. Adventures and Serena Hotels.

It is a landmark event as international runners from various countries including 70 armed forces staff along with 30 Pakistani runners will be racing in full marathon (42.2km) as well as half-marathon category of 21.1km.

It is worth mentioning that the youngest competitor is 10years old, while the oldest is 80 years.

Top international runners from various regions like Ziyad Rahim from Pakistan, Dr.Jurgen Kuhlmeyfrom Germany, Janos and Edit Kiss from Hungary, John Lum Young from Trinidad,Giuseppe Raguso from Italy, JC Santa Teresa from USA, Rene Olsen from Denmark,Dan Micola from Czech Republic, Zara Rahim and Mekaal Rahim from (Canada/Pakistan), Philippe Waroux from France and David Darton and Colin Lea from UK will alsoshowcase their talents in the races that would provide an excellent opportunityto Pakistani athletes to learn from their competitors and improve their standingin the world.

Apart from it, runners from Australia, Belgium, Egypt, Tunisia,Faroe Islands, Poland, Qatar, UAE, Argentina, Ireland, Taiwan, China, Scotland andNetherlands will also feature in event.

 

[Peaceful Civilian]

What a beautiful place to run. Hope they have good time here. Best of luck!
We should encourage sports in our country. There are many beautiful places for our guests. Good to see local stakeholders are taking their part for this Healthy activity in healthy environment.
This will also help to encourage tourism in Pakistan.

 

[N.Siddiqui]

Good collaboration to put Pakistan on the radar of the tourists, spur up the local sports activity, get the intl' and local media coverage, and breaks the stereotypes created by the western media. Perception management is needed...