Khunjerab - Highest Altitude Marathon Race

On the 21st of September 2019, Pakistan Air Force, in a joint collaboration with Z Adventures & Serena Hotels, organized ‘Highest Altitude Marathon Race’, a unique running challenge in Northern Pakistan, at the 8th wonder of the world, Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. 

Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan, Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman inaugurated the event in the presence of Force Commander Northern Are, Maj. Gen. Ahsan Mehmood and President Winter Sports Federtion of Pakistan, Air Marshal Asim Zaheer.

The race consisted of 3 events;

1. Ultra-Marathon (50km)
2. Full-Marathon (42km)
3. Half-Marathon (21km)

Taking place at 4700 meters above sea level, a total of 154 athletes including 39 international runners from 17 different countries participated in the race. The race had a downhill point-to-point course starting from Khunjerab Pass and ending in the picturesque town of Sust.

Custom-designed medal and T-shirt for all finishers; and trophies for Top 3. The Pakistani athletes swept all positions in the marathon;

In the Ultra-Marathon (50km);

1. Muhammad Siyar – Gold Medal
2. Aslam Khan – Silver Medal
3. Muhammad Iqbal – Bronze Medal

In Full-Marathon (42km);

1. Umair Haider – Gold Medal
2. Muhammad Faheem – Silver Medal
3. Sohail Tanveer – Bronze Medal

In Half-Marathon (21km);

1. Mirza Aslam Baig - Gold Medal
2. Abdul Muheet – Silver Medal
3. Musawwar-Ur-Rehman – Bronze Medal

The participants of the race said they were determined to become Guinness World Records title holders by successfully completing the race. They also appreciated Pakistan's traditional hospitality.

It is hoped that besides promoting tourism the race will help highlight the positive image of Pakistan in the world.