LAHORE: The Punjab Youth Affairs and Sports Department successfully staged the Chief Minister Punjab National Marathon and Cycling Race, hailed as the largest sports event in Pakistan’s history. The mega sporting spectacle unfolded at Liberty Chowk, drawing more than 11,000 athletes and citizens from across the country, including men, women, families, and differently-abled participants.
The event featured a diverse programme: the flagship 21-km Men’s Marathon and 21-km Cycling Race, alongside the 5-km Women’s Marathon, 5-km Women’s Cycling Race, a 2-km Family Fun Race, and a 1-km Wheelchair Race. The sheer scale of participation reflected the growing enthusiasm for community-based sports in Punjab.
Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, who also took part in the cycling race, graced the occasion as chief guest. He distributed cash prizes worth Rs 3.8 million among winners and standout performers. Senior officials including Vice-Chairman Sports Board Punjab Malik Suleman, Secretary Sports Muhammad Ali, DG Sports Muhammad Tariq Qureshi, and former Olympian Shabana Akhtar were present, alongside a large crowd of sports enthusiasts.
The event, organised by the Punjab Youth Affairs and Sports Department, distributed hefty cash prizes to winners and ensured recognition for participants across all races. In Men’s 21-km Marathon, Sahiwal’s M Akhtar emerged victorious in the flagship marathon, clinching first place with a commanding performance. He was followed by M Amir in second and M Irfan in third. The trio received cash prizes of Rs 500,000, Rs 300,000, and Rs 100,000 respectively, marking one of the most competitive races of the day.
In Men’s 21-km Cycling Race, Karachi’s Ali Ilyas dominated the cycling event, securing first position. Aqib Shah from Lahore finished runner-up, while Sanaullah from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa claimed third place. The top three cyclists were awarded Rs 200,000, Rs 100,000, and Rs 50,000 respectively, highlighting the nationwide participation in the mega event.
