Israr Khattak clinches 2026 Karachi Marathon title

KARACHI: Israr Khattak clinched the top honours at the world-class BYD Karachi Marathon after completing the full 42.1-kilometre race in an impressive time of 2 hours, 39 minutes and 58 seconds.

The marathon, which began at Nishan-e-Pakistan Park, witnessed participation from thousands of runners, including women and children.

Competitors ran from Sea View to the Golf Club before returning to Nishan-e-Pakistan along the designated route.

Half-marathon participants completed one lap of the course, while full-marathon runners covered two laps. Besides the full and half marathons, the event also featured a 5-kilometre fun run and a 10-kilometre relay race.

Hamas Minhas finished second in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 48 minutes and 59 seconds.

In the men’s half marathon, Muhammad Akhtar secured first place with a time of 1 hour, 19 minutes and 29 seconds. Ata-ul-Samad claimed second position, while Faizan Faizi finished third.

The women’s full marathon title was won by Sarah Lodhi, who completed the 42.1-kilometre distance in 3 hours, 33 minutes and 28 seconds. Alycia Dias secured second place in the category.

In the women’s half marathon, Kokab Sarwar emerged victorious after finishing in 1 hour, 53 minutes and 57 seconds. Rabia Naeem finished second, while Zoha Punawala claimed third position.

A total of 6,500 runners participated in the Karachi Marathon, including around 1,000 women. The event also featured an international presence, with 30 runners from 25 different countries taking part.