SUKKUR: Nearly 3,000 athletes, including international participants, took part in a world-class marathon race held in Sukkur. The event was organized under the banner of Lok Suhata, with the marathon starting from IBA Public School.
In the 42.195 km marathon, 28 foreign athletes from 10 countries including Italy, Canada, and the United Kingdom participated along with thousands of runners from across Pakistan.
The marathon route passed through Sukkur Barrage, National Highway Theri, Baberlo, and Shah Hussain before looping back to the finish line. A 100-foot-long and 20-foot-wide national flag was also hoisted at the starting point to mark the occasion.
Before the race began, international and national athletes arriving in Sukkur were served traditional Pakistani cuisine and enjoyed cultural song performances and dance.
The winner of the marathon was awarded a cash prize of Rs 1.5 million, while cash rewards were also allocated for the top 20 athletes.
A separate 10-kilometre women’s marathon was also held, in which Kenya’s Motoko clinched the first position, completing the race in 40 minutes and 25 seconds. Japanese athlete Yuko secured second place with a timing of 40 minutes and 49 seconds, while Sukkur’s Mahnoor finished third, completing the distance in 43 minutes.
Additionally, three different walk segments were held for journalists, senior citizens over 60 years of age, and general participants.