By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: A historic international marathon got under way in Sukkur early on Sunday morning, marking the start of the “Lok Sahayta Marathon 2025 – The Hope Run” amid tight security and smooth coordination.
The race began at the IBA Public School, with a full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers, alongside a separate 10km run for women. More than 28 international athletes from 15 countries took part, including runners from Kenya, Italy, Ethiopia, Morocco, Japan, Uganda and the UK. They competed alongside more than 3,000 Pakistani participants, both men and women, who travelled from cities across the country to join the event.
Senior officials were present at the start of the marathon, including the chairman of the Lok Sahayta Marathon, DIG Pir Muhammad Shah, Sukkur Division commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi, Sukkur mayor Arsalan Islam Sheikh, secretary for universities and boards Muhammad Abbas Baloch, Shah Abdul Latif University vice-chancellor Dr Muhammad Yousuf Khushk, deputy commissioner Nadir Shahzad Khan, ASP Saib Amin, Sukkur Board chairman Dr Zahid Chanr, and Agha Haroon.
Morocco’s Elhyssouf Abdelmajid won the men’s title at the second Lok Sahaita International Marathon in Sukkur, completing the 42-kilometre course in 2 hours, 22 minutes and 35 seconds. Abdelmajid crossed the line well clear of Ethiopia’s Miheretu Neber, who finished second after covering the marathon distance in 2 hours, 28 minutes and 48 seconds. Kenya’s Murica Jackson Maina took third place, clocking a time of 2 hours, 31 minutes and 6 seconds.
In the women’s race, Kenya’s Meuni Mutuku claimed first place in the 10-kilometre event, finishing in 40 minutes and 25 seconds. Second place went to Japan’s Yuko Iriguchi, who completed the course in 40 minutes and 49 seconds. Pakistan’s Mahnoor Afzal, from Lahore, finished third, recording a time of 43 minutes.
The event, billed as a run for hope, drew international participation and highlighted Sukkur’s growing profile as a host city for long-distance road racing. Organizers said strict security measures and well-organized arrangements helped ensure the event passed off safely and smoothly. Residents of Sukkur and sports enthusiasts lined parts of the route, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and civic pride.
International athletes and local runners passed through various parts of the city, showcasing a race organized to international standards. The women’s runs, in particular, drew strong interest and encouragement from spectators. Organizers described the marathon as a landmark event, not only for the promotion of sports in Sukkur but also for strengthening international connections and fostering national unity.
