Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The award ceremony for the first PAF-Serena Hotels Karakoram Marathon 2018 was held at the Serena Hotel.

The chief guest on the occasion was Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, who is also the patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Ski Federation.

A brief video compilation of the key moments of the high-altitude marathon was shown. Naltar, the stunning valley in Gilgit district situated at over 11,300 feet above sea level, was the location for the high-altitude full marathon (42.2km) and half-marathon (21.1km). The compilation was followed by a documentary of the event showcasing the entire Marathon experience.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan said, “It gives me great pleasure to be among world renowned athletes from all over the globe. The participation of world record holders, men and women of all age brackets, from around the globe made this event even more significant. I am grateful to the international athletes from 24 friendly countries who have participated in this event which took place in one of the most beautiful landscapes anywhere in the world. I hope you have enjoyed the picturesque northern areas of Pakistan and will carry fond memories of your stay with us”.

The air chief presented medals and trophies among position holders for both the 42km and 21km marathon.

In 42km category, Aslam Khan from Ghizar clinched first position; whereas local sensation Ishaq Khan remained the runner-up. Third on the podium was Ubaidur Rehman, hailing from Gilgit.

In the female category, foreigners dominated the race and won the first three coveted positions. Caroline Drew from UK was the first to complete the race; while Canadian Heather Lee got the second position. Edit Kiss from Hungary finished third in the race.

In the 21km marathon, Shahid Ali got the first position; whereas Adnan Khan and Nazar Shah won the second and third spots, respectively. In the same category for females, Nadia Rahim outpaced her rivals while Kokab Sarwar and Sobia Ali trailed behind at second and third position.

Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, said, “I was touched by the glimpses of the marathon that we all shared. This country provides beautiful spaces, scenic views and hospitable people, and we must appreciate the immense contribution of the Pakistan Air Force for projecting the right image of Pakistan.”

Thrity two foreigners, 40 PAF athletes, 30 runners from Gilgit Baltistan Scouts, 18 locals and seven from other parts of the country participated in the marathon along with the marathon globetrotters from 24 countries.

Many of the runners have broken world records and won accolades globally. Mr Boolani added, “The foreign athletes will be ambassadors of Pakistan. One of the best aspects was that the youngest participant was ten years old and the oldest was 80 years. Serena entered into this form of diplomacy to provide a platform to the young talent in Pakistan that needed handholding and encouragement to excel. Our association began some five years ago with squash, and since then we have worked together to promote skiing and now this marathon and over the years we have brought an increasing number of foreign sportspeople and athletes to Pakistan.”

Published in Daily Times, September 2^nd 2018.