Over 1,500 runners take part in half marathon event in Karachi

KARACHI: More than 1,500 runners competed in the Lifebuoy Global One Run Half Marathon in Karachi, with athletes and fitness enthusiasts taking part in several race categories, while participants from different parts of Pakistan also joined virtually.

The event was organised by Sports in Pakistan and included races over 21 kilometres, 10 kilometres and 5 kilometres. It drew runners from various age groups and was presented as one of the city’s major community fitness gatherings.

Half marathon results

In the men’s half marathon, Israr Khattak secured first place after completing the race in 1 hour, 16 minutes and 17 seconds. Muhammad Sajjad finished second with a time of 1:19:27, while Khursheed Ahmed came third in 1:19:52.

In the women’s half marathon, Mumtaz Niamat Khan took the top position in 1:51:52. Sidra Dagha placed second in 1:57:36, and Mahnoor Fatima finished third with a time of 1:58:13.

10-kilometre and 5-kilometre races

Raza Muhammad won the men’s 10-kilometre race in 38:33. Amjad Ali was second in 41:48, followed by Farhan Sahab in third place with 42:38.

In the women’s 10-kilometre category, Mahnoor Fatima finished first in 51:26. Leena Abid came second in 56:37, while Hafsa Khan secured third place in 1:04:03.

Farman Khan claimed first place in the boys’ 5-kilometre race with a time of 18:20. Saqib Ali finished second in 19:10, and Taj Khan was third in 22:58.

In the girls’ 5-kilometre event, Kainat Khalil won in 22:49. Zaahra Ali finished second in 26:09, while Saeedullah Baloch took third place in 28:26.

Organisers highlight turnout

Race director Shoaib Nizami said the scale of participation pointed to increasing interest in running and fitness in the country.

“We are extremely happy to witness such an incredible turnout for the Lifebuoy Global One Run in Karachi, while runners from across Pakistan also joined virtually,” Nizami said. “It is encouraging to see more people embracing running and fitness. Sports in Pakistan will continue to bring more running events for Pakistanis and further promote a healthy lifestyle through sport.”

The event also featured virtual participation by runners in other parts of the country, underlining what organisers described as the rising popularity of endurance sports and community-based fitness activities in Pakistan.

The Karachi race brought together competitive runners and recreational participants across multiple distances, reflecting broad-based interest in organised road running events. With in-person and virtual participation combined, the event added to the growing calendar of fitness activities being held in the country.