KARACHI: As Karachi wakes up to the rhythmic sound of waves at Sea View, groups of runners from all walks of life can be seen racing through the streets, their breathing synchronized with their strides.
They are gearing up for an event that has not only brought the city together but has also put Pakistan on the international marathon map. The Karachi Marathon, scheduled for January 5, 2025, promises to be a celebration of resilience, determination and community.
For months, the streets, parks and promenades of Karachi have become training fields. Veteran marathoners and beginners alike gather in groups and push each other to new limits.
And, as time ticks on for the much-awaited Karachi Marathon, excitement is building among the runners. For many, the race is not just a challenge; It is a celebration of resistance.
Various running groups from around the city have met regularly, with one of the most popular training venues being Sea View, where long-distance running is a weekend ritual. These training sessions bring together participants from all walks of life (men and women, young and old) who work hard to prepare for the marathon.
‘A great opportunity’
Shoaib Nizami, Race Director of the Karachi Marathon, highlighted how important this year’s event is. “This year, the Karachi Marathon is a tag race, which means runners here will be eligible to qualify for other races,” Nizami said.
“It is the first time in Pakistan that local runners will have the opportunity to qualify for international races such as the Abbott’s Age Group Championship. We have seen participation almost double compared to last year and there are also a higher number of female participants. “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 beginners is Mustansar Bandooqwala, in his 50s, who took up running after a history of hiking. “I have been training for the half marathon and although it is challenging, the support from the community has been incredible. The good weather here has made preparation easier and the energy of fellow runners makes it even more motivating,” he said, adding that the crowds at the marathon will be a great morale booster on race day.
Mazhar Valjee, 66, another first-time marathoner, sees the event as a symbol of positivity for Karachi. “The Karachi Marathon is recognized as an international marathon and that is a great honor for us,” Valjee said.
“In a city often surrounded by negativity, this event sends a positive message about Pakistan and Karachi. Seeing so many young people running and preparing has motivated me to join. “I am also running to support The Citizen Foundation, which adds even more purpose to my journey.”
Then there is Feroz Rizvi, 72, the oldest runner in the group, who is aiming to complete his first half marathon. “At my age it is not easy to take on this challenge, but I am hopeful. The most important thing is to finish, whether you meet the time limit or not. I run for a charity and that’s what keeps me active,” said Rizvi, who believes staying active is key to aging gracefully. “It’s easy to give up once you retire, but you have to keep moving forward. As they say, ‘Move it or lose it.’”
At the other end of the spectrum is Kaukab Sarwar, a passionate runner who has already completed four major world marathons. “Running is my passion,” Sarwar shared.
“It’s about challenging myself and achieving my goals. Karachi Marathon is a great opportunity for local runners because not everyone can afford to travel abroad to participate in international marathons. “This event will serve as a support system for local runners and give everyone a chance to shine.”
For Reena Ebrahim, who will be running a marathon for the first time, running has been a journey of self-discovery. “When I started, I couldn’t even run a kilometer, but now I run more than 30 kilometers,” Ebrahim said.
“The journey has been very enriching and I am excited to see what I can achieve in the Karachi Marathon. I have received training and the running community has been a great motivation. At first I ran with just music, but my coach recommended that I listen to my body and the people around me. Running with other people has made training so much easier.”
Hina Malik, another runner from Karachi, will also participate in the full marathon for the first time after increasing her distance from 5 km to 42.195 km.
“I started running on my own and last year’s Karachi Marathon inspired me to push my limits. Watching the veteran runners motivates me and when you realize how far you’ve come, it gives you a huge sense of accomplishment. I am looking forward to crossing that finish line and then the journey will continue with international marathons,” Malik said.
Uzma, an experienced runner and coach, spoke about the change she has seen in the local running community. “The excitement this year is like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” he said.
“The increase in participation shows that more and more people are adopting running as part of their lives. The discipline it takes to train for a marathon is what motivates me, and this time I’m ready to take on the full marathon after completing the half marathon last year.”
For experienced runners like Amjad Ali, the marathon represents an opportunity to push personal limits. “I started with 5,000 meters in club hockey under Mr. Talib and have been aiming for sub-3-hour marathons ever since,” Ali said. “I recently achieved a personal best of 2:49 in Istanbul and hope to improve even more in Karachi. You know your training and on race day you just have to execute your plan.”
Sadiq Shah, a marathoner with extensive experience in international races, is equally excited about the international recognition of the Karachi Marathon. “This is a great platform for everyone who is passionate about running,” Shah said. “I have run marathons all over the world and the Karachi Marathon is on its way to becoming one of the greats. It’s not just about physical strength; You also need mental strength. Mental preparation is what helps you get through those last few miles.”
Shah Faisal, another local runner, emphasized the special significance of the event being held in Karachi. “I grew up racing on these roads, so I’m fully prepared,” Faisal said. “There is less stress when you run in your hometown. The running community here is growing and I am proud to be a part of this movement. I want everyone to join the Karachi marathon.”
Ali Bukai, a runner who began his marathon journey just two years ago, shares his inspiring story. “I started running to stay in shape, but in April I decided to go further and train for a marathon,” Bukai explained. “I participated in a half marathon on Independence Day and now my goal is to run the full marathon. It’s a completely different challenge. I have been increasing shorter and longer distances, and my last training session was 36 km, which psychologically has brought me closer to my goal. You need to be fit, but most of the game is in your head. “When you run with a goal in mind, you remember it over and over again and that keeps you going.”
As race day approaches, the Karachi Marathon is a testament to the city’s resilience and the growing passion for running among its residents. With its World Athletics certification and inclusion on the global racing calendar, this marathon is more than just a race. It is a celebration of the diversity of Karachi, its people and their unwavering determination to keep moving forward.
For many of these runners, the marathon is just the beginning. Whether you are tackling your first race or aiming to achieve your personal best, the spirit of the Karachi Marathon is to push boundaries, set goals and achieve greatness. When they take to the streets of Karachi, they will carry with them the energy of a city that refuses to stop running.
