Marathon At High-Altitude Ends In Pakistan

A marathon at world's high altitude in scenic Hunza valley in northern Pakistan near China border ended on Saturday evening, an official said.

The marathon which started on Saturday morning at the Khunjarab pass, border point with neighboring China, has ended at Sust, a small town in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan Air Force spokesman told Anadolu Agency.

Pakistani athletes clinched all positions at the highest ever marathon which took place at an elevation of over 15,396 feet (4,693 meters), he added.

This was a unique highest ever marathon joined by young, old, locals and foreign athletes, the PAF spokesman said.

A total of 154 runners participated in the race, among them 39 were foreigners from 17 different countries while the rest were Pakistanis.

The marathon was comprised of three categories --ultra-marathon (50 kilometers or 31 miles), marathon (42 kilometers or 26 miles), and mini-marathon (21 kilometers or 13 miles).

In 50 kilometres race, Mohammad Siyar from Pakistan Army secured the first position while Aslam Khan from Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts remained runner up.

In the 42 km race, Pakistan Army bagged the all first three positions while in the 21 km race, Aslam Baig stood first, Abdul Muheet second and Musawwar ur Rehman won the third positions respectively.

The event was organized by the PAF and Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan aimed at promoting the country's tourism and a soft image in the world.

Last year, the event was held at an altitude of 11,300 feet (3,444 meters) above sea-level at Naltar valley of Gilgit region. -