KARACHI: Over a thousand young and old came to the roads here to partake in the third Commissioner’s Marathon Race on Sunday which was inaugurated by Karachi Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Memon.
Apart from athletes and regular runners, a large number of people including women and children joined the run in a festive mood. Director General Pakistan Rangers Sindh Major General Iftikhar Hassan Chaudhry also graced the occasion.
More than 10,000 runners had registered for the marathon, though not all of them showed up, there were almost more than a thousand people. The marathon started from Moin Khan Academy, DHA Club, and ended at the same place. The marathon included Under-19, Under-29 and Over-29 categories.
Runners also participated in the veteran’s category for those over 50 years of age. Special kids and family art races were also held. The marathon distance was 10km while for women it was 6km.
Later, the Karachi commissioner distributed prizes among the winners. Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner said that the marathon would help the government in its efforts to promote peace and sports.
The manner in which the citizens have participated in the marathon is an indication of their commitment to the sport. He said that marathon has presented a positive face of Karachi.
People have expressed love for peace and sports. He said that work needs to be done to promote sports activities in Karachi.
The commissioner said that efforts were being made to increase sports activities and to provide facilities to the people in the sports of their interest. He thanked the administration, private institutions and sports organizations and the Sindh Olympic Association. He said that such a big event would not have been possible without joint efforts.
Osama Hassan won the first prize in the Under-19 male category while Mumtaz won the first prize in the under-19 female category. Sohail Amir won the first prize in the Under29 male category while Iram Shehzad won the first prize in U-29 female category. Similarly, Israr Ahmed won the first prize in the over 29 male category while Khadija Kazim bagged the first prize in the category of over 29 female category.
