Lahore hosted the largest marathon event in Pakistan’s history as thousands of athletes, families, and sports enthusiasts gathered early morning to participate in a wide range of competitive and recreational races. The CM Punjab National Marathon and Cycling Race 2026 began at 6am from Liberty Chowk, drawing more than 11,000 participants from different cities across the country.
Provincial Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar officially launched the event by cycling at the starting point, marking the beginning of a day filled with athletic energy and public enthusiasm. Participants included children, adults, and persons with disabilities, reflecting a broad effort to promote fitness, sports culture, and community engagement across Pakistan.
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Organisers arranged multiple race categories to encourage inclusive participation and competition. Men competed in a challenging 21-kilometre marathon and a 21-kilometre cycling race, while women took part in five-kilometre marathon and cycling events designed to promote female involvement in outdoor sports activities.
Meanwhile, families joined a two-kilometre fun race aimed at encouraging recreational participation and healthy lifestyles among citizens. In addition, organisers held a one-kilometre wheelchair race specifically for persons with disabilities, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities in sporting events.
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Competitive performances also stood out during the cycling races as athletes from different regions claimed top positions. In the men’s 21-kilometre cycling event, Ali Ilyas from Karachi secured first place, Aqib Shah from Lahore finished second, and Sanaullah from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa achieved third position.
Similarly, Karachi cyclists dominated the women’s five-kilometre race, where Zainab secured first place, Anisa finished second, and Rabi claimed third position. Meanwhile, authorities implemented strict security measures and a special traffic management plan, advising citizens to use alternative routes to maintain smooth traffic flow.