Celebrating Pakistan’s Resolution Day, thousands of Lahoris participated in the annual Lahore Marathon 2019. The marathon covered a 10 km route (starting from Gaddafi Stadium roundabout) and was aimed at promoting a softer image of the country, through engagement of citizens in healthy activities.
With the recent on-going tensions in the region, Lahore Marathon is an initiative of the District Administration Lahore aimed at delivering a message of peace on Pakistan’s Republic Day. The Marathon invited citizens of all ages and gender to Run For Peace, symbolizing acommunal petition of peace and harmony globally. The non-profit event will be title sponsored by the brand Oye Hoye and organized by Dreamweaver Productions.
Citizens competed in 3 general categories; Men/Athletes, Women/Children and Senior Citizens. In each category winners were given cash prizes and awarded gold, silver and bronze medals by the chief guests Wife of Governor Punjab Mrs. Sarwar, Ejaz Chaudhary – PTI General Secretary and Saleha Saeed (D.C. Lahore)
Winners from each category were as follow:
- Men 1st Position: Nosherwan Ashiq (Time 0H22M16S) – 2nd Position: M Afzal and 3rd Position: Subhan Ashiq
- Women 1st Position Rabia – 2nd Position Farah and 3rd Position: Sarah
- Senior Citizen Winner Khalid Ikram
“Our efforts intend to broadcast a communal message from Pakistanis to the entire global community that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation who speaks a language of harmony and tolerance while simultaneously rejects every form of violence” said D.C. Lahore, Saleha Saeed.
“It’s an iconic decision to commence the march on Pakistan Day while simultaneously sending out a powerful message that a true Pakistani patriot is an advocate of peace. Our very own Pakistan-based brand Oye Hoye is truly proud to support the state in delivering this revolutionary narrative to bring out a positive message from Pakistan throughout the world” said Director Marketing of United Snacks, Mian Shahzad Khalid.
Participants were facilitated with hydration points and aid stations (staffed by an ambulance team) throughout the route. The road traffic was also restricted throughout the duration of the competition on all running routes with further assistance from traffic and local officers, in accordance with legislation. While ensuring a positive image for the city and the department, the project also provided entertainment for the public. Acclaimed Bangra band Sahara UK performed live on the closing ceremony at Alhamra Arts Council.
The marathon covered a total route of 10 kilometers kicking off from Gaddafi Stadium Roundabout and progressing towards Hafeez Kardar Road, Liberty Roundabout, Main Boulevard, U-Turn from Jail Road Intersection, Main Boulevard, U-Turn from under KalmaChowk Bridge, Liberty Roundabout with eventually concluding at the Alhamra Arts Council Gaddafi.
About Lahore Marathon 2019:
The Lahore Marathon 2019 is organized by Dreamweaver Production in partnership with the Government of Punjab.The organizers intend to send out a call for peace on the Republic Day of Pakistan to promote a positive and peaceful image of the country around the globe through engaging citizens in fitness activities and a healthy lifestyle.