ISLAMABAD: On Sunday, February 8, Margalla Trail Runners successfully organized the second edition of the Margalla Trail Running Festival, marking the first-ever Trail Marathon in the history of the Margalla Hills. The festival featured multiple trail races ranging from 300 meters to the full marathon distance, with the primary objective of promoting and popularizing trail running in Pakistan.
The event was held across Trail 4, Dhok Jewan, and the Ridge Trail of the Margalla Hills, offering participants a challenging yet scenic running experience. Race categories included the Kids Trail Run (300m), 5km, 10km, 14km, Half Marathon (21km), and the Marathon (42km). The Marathon and Half Marathon were recognized as UTMB Index races of 50K and 20K, respectively. The Margalla Trail Running Festival is a flagship project of Margalla Trail Runners, aimed at developing a vibrant trail running culture in the country.
A reasonably fit crowd turned up for the event, though it was not as massive as the turnout witnessed at the Islamabad Marathon. Each category saw around 50 participants, including a notable number of runners in the 60+ age group. Several foreign runners also joined the festival, adding an international flavor to the event. Islamabad, blessed with stunning mountain trails, once again proved to be an ideal destination for trail running enthusiasts.
While speaking to Holiday Weekly, Lt Gen (R) Sardar Hasan Azhar Hayat, Managing Director of Pakistan’s Land Port Authority and former Managing Director of Green Tourism Pvt. Ltd., appreciated the efforts of Margalla Trail Runners for promoting trail running by organizing an inclusive event for citizens of all ages from Islamabad and surrounding areas.
He further stated that he would propose to the CDA to organize such events on a much larger scale in the future, with international mountain runners being invited to participate, which would help project Islamabad as a premier destination for adventure and eco-tourism.
Adding inspiration to the event, Lt Gen (R) Sardar Hasan Azhar Hayat himself delivered an outstanding performance by emerging as the best runner in the 10km category in the 60+ age group. His achievement stood as a powerful message that age is no barrier to fitness, endurance, and competitive spirit. His energetic participation motivated many younger runners and set a remarkable example of lifelong commitment to health and sports.
ISLAMABAD: on Sunday, February 8th Margalla Trail Runners organized the 1st-ever Trail Marathon in history of Marglla Hills. The trail running festival WAS consists of multiple trail races from 300 meters to Marathon distance. The basic objective of the festival was to famalarize trail running in Pakistan.
The trail running festival was held on Trial 4, Dhok Jewan and Ridge Trail of Margalla Hills. The Race distances were, Kids Trail Run (300m), 5km, 10, 14km and Half Marathon (21km) and Marathon (42km). The Marathon and Half Marathon distance races are 50K & 20K UTMB Index Races. Margalla Trail Running Festival is a project by Margalla Trail Runners.
Reasonable fit crowd turned up but not mad rush like Islamabad marathon was witnessed. In every category had around 50 participants. No laxity for 60+ people. Quite a few foreigners also joined. Islamabad is blessed with mountain trails.
While talking to Holiday weekly, Lt Gen (R) Sardar Hasan Azhar Hayat, Managing Director Pakistan’s Land Port Authority &- Ex MD Green Tourism Pvt. Ltd appreciated the efforts of Margalla trail runners for highlighting trail running by organizing this event for all age of citizen of Islamabad and around.
He further added that he will propose CDA to such type of event omn much bigger scale where International Mountain runner should be invited.
