The Karachi Marathon, scheduled for January 5, 2025, promises to be a celebration of endurance, determination, and community.
As Karachi wakes up to the rhythmic sound of waves at Sea View, groups of runners from all walks of life can be seen running on the streets, their breaths syncing with their strides. The event has not only brought the city together but also placed Pakistan on the international marathon map.
For months, Karachi’s streets, parks, and promenades have turned into training grounds. Veteran marathoners and first-timers alike gather in groups, pushing each other to new limits. The excitement is palpable as the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated Karachi Marathon. For many, the race is not just a challenge; it’s a celebration of endurance.
Various running groups across the city have been meeting regularly, with Sea View serving as one of the most popular training spots. These sessions bring together participants from all walks of life — men and women, young and old — all preparing for the marathon.
A Great Opportunity
Shoaib Nizami, the Race Director of the Karachi Marathon, emphasized the significance of this year’s event. “This year, Karachi Marathon is a label race, which means runners here will be eligible to qualify for other runs,” Nizami said.
“It’s the first time in Pakistan that local runners will have the chance to qualify for international races like the Abbott’s Age Group Championships. We’ve seen participation almost double compared to last year, and there’s a larger number of women participants as well. This is a great opportunity for our runners, especially those hoping to compete in races like the Boston Marathon.”
‘Symbol of Positivity’, ‘Great Platform’
Among the first-timers is Mustansar Bandooqwala, in his late 50s, who took up running after a history of hiking. “I’ve been training for the half marathon, and although it’s a challenge, the community support has been amazing. The good weather here has made it easier to prepare, and the energy from fellow runners makes it all the more motivating,” he said.
Mazhar Valjee, 66, another first-time marathoner, views the event as a symbol of positivity for Karachi. “Karachi Marathon is recognized as an international marathon, and that’s a big honour for us,” Valjee said.
Feroz Rizvi, 72, the oldest runner in the bunch, is aiming to complete his first half marathon. “At my age, it’s not easy to take on this challenge, but I’m hopeful. The most important thing is to finish, whether I meet the time limit or not. I’m running for a charity, and that’s what keeps me going,” said Rizvi, who believes that staying active is key to ageing gracefully.
Kaukab Sarwar, a passionate female runner who’s completed four major world marathons, shared her thoughts. “Karachi Marathon is a great opportunity for local runners because not everyone can afford to travel abroad for international marathons. This event will serve as a support system for local runners and give everyone a chance to shine.”
Reena Ebrahim, who will be running a marathon for the first time, finds the journey empowering. “When I started, I couldn’t even run a kilometre, but now I’m running 30+ kilometres,” Ebrahim said.
Hina Malik, another female runner from Karachi, has built up from a 5km to a full marathon distance of 42.195km.
Uzma, a seasoned runner and coach, spoke about the shift she’s seen in the local running community. “The excitement this year is unlike anything we’ve seen before,” she said.
Amjad Ali, a seasoned runner, aims to push personal boundaries. “I started with 5,000 metres at a hockey club under the coaching of Talib sir, and since then, I’ve been aiming for sub-3-hour marathons,” Ali said.
Sadiq Shah, an experienced marathoner, views the event as a great platform for passionate runners. “Karachi Marathon is on track to become one of the greats. It’s not just about physical strength; you need mental toughness too. The mental preparation is what gets you through those last few kilometres.”
Shah Faisal, a local runner, emphasized the significance of the event in Karachi. “There’s less stress when you’re racing in your home city. The running community here is growing, and I’m proud to be part of this movement.”
Ali Bukai, who began his marathon journey just two years ago, shares his inspiring story. “I started running for fitness, but this April, I decided to take it further and train for a marathon,” Bukai explained.
As the day of the race draws near, the Karachi Marathon stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and the growing passion for running among its residents. With its World Athletics Certification and inclusion in the global race calendar, this marathon is more than just a race. It’s a celebration of Karachi’s diversity, its people, and their unwavering determination to keep moving forward.
