Muhammad Tayyab
The Rise of Running Culture in Islamabad: A Journey towards a Healthier Community
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is renowned for its breath-taking landscapes, lush green parks, and the magnificent Margalla Hills. Despite its serene environment and ideal terrain for outdoor activities, the city had little to no established running culture until a few years ago. The concept of organized running events and marathons was almost non-existent, with only a handful of individuals jogging in parks or on trails. However, in recent years, Islamabad has witnessed a remarkable transformation, thanks to the efforts of dedicated groups such as Islamabad Run With Us (IRU), Islamabad Running Club (IRC), and Margalla Trail Runners (MTR). These organizations took the initiative to introduce and promote a running culture among the citizens of Islamabad, turning the city into a hub for fitness enthusiasts. Today, their efforts have resulted in internationally recognized running competitions that attract both local and foreign participants. When the running movement gets started? Let’s throw the light on this healthy culture —- The running culture in Islamabad began as a small initiative by a few passionate runners who wanted to create a community that encouraged fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Islamabad Run With Us (IRU), one of the pioneering groups, was among the first to organize running events for the public. This was soon followed by Islamabad Running Club (IRC), which provided structured training programs for beginners and seasoned runners alike.Another major contributor to this movement was Margalla Trail Runners (MTR), which focused on trail running in the Margalla Hills. MTR introduced runners to the adventurous side of Islamabad, promoting trail running as a thrilling and challenging sport. By organizing regular group runs and competitions, these clubs laid the foundation for what would become a thriving running community.
Gradually the running Competitions & events began on different occasions, Once the running community gained momentum, these clubs started organizing formal races to engage more people. The introduction of competitive events was a game-changer, as it provided a structured platform for runners to challenge themselves, set goals, and celebrate achievements.
Over time, the quality of these events improved significantly, meeting international standards in terms of organization, safety, and logistics. Today, these clubs host multiple high-profile races throughout the year, including half-marathons, full marathons, ultra-marathons, and trail running challenges. The events are designed for different skill levels, ensuring that beginners, intermediate runners, and professional athletes all have a chance to participate.
One of the most exciting aspects of these competitions is the participation of international runners. Islamabad’s scenic beauty and well-organized races have attracted athletes from around the world, further enhancing the city’s reputation as a top running destination. Foreign runners not only compete but also praise the hospitality, organization, and natural beauty of the routes.
Let’s go through the role of clubs in promoting running culture in the capital Islamabad:
The success of Islamabad’s running culture is largely due to the dedicated efforts of the IRU, IRC, and MTR teams. These clubs work tirelessly to ensure that each event is a grand success. Their contributions go beyond just organizing races; they also provide training programs, encourage community engagement, and promote awareness about the benefits of running.
The training programs and group runs usually continued throughout the year long:
One of the key strategies used by these clubs to promote running is the organization of regular group runs. These sessions allow beginners to train under the guidance of experienced runners and gradually build their stamina and confidence. Many new runners have transformed into marathoners thanks to these structured training programs.
The women are equally encouraged to participate in these contest and routine activities:
Another remarkable achievement of these clubs is the increase in female participation. Initially, cultural barriers and safety concerns limited the number of women taking part in running events. However, with dedicated efforts, awareness campaigns, and safe running environments, more women are now actively participating in races, making the sport more inclusive and diverse.
Though the trail running is considered an hard one but now this is not the stranger for the inhabitants of capital fond of:
MTR has played a crucial role in promoting trail running, introducing people to the hidden beauty of Margalla Hills. Their events not only provide a thrilling experience for runners but also raise awareness about the importance of preserving the natural environment. Many trail races are combined with environmental initiatives, such as tree plantation drives and cleanup campaigns, ensuring that the sport remains sustainable.
This wholesome newly introduced running culture in Islamabad brought a healthy change:
The emergence of a running culture has had a significant impact on Islamabad’s residents. It has led to a healthier and more active community, reducing the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions. Running has also become a social activity, bringing people together from different backgrounds and creating a sense of unity and motivation.
Furthermore, these events have contributed to Islamabad’s tourism and economy. The influx of international runners and spectators benefits local businesses, hotels, and restaurants, making the city a destination for sports tourism. The media coverage of these races highlights Islamabad’s positive image on both national and international platforms.
There are still challenges for this for smooth running:
Despite the remarkable progress, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. One major issue is the need for better infrastructure, such as dedicated running tracks and improved safety measures for runners, especially at night. Additionally, securing sponsorships and funding for large-scale events remains a challenge, as the sport is still growing in Pakistan. To further strengthen the running culture, there is a need for greater government support and collaboration with private sector organizations. Establishing more running clubs in different cities and expanding the reach of these initiatives can help spread the movement nationwide.
In the end when we conclude this:
The transformation of Islamabad into a city with a thriving running culture is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. What started as a small movement by a few passionate individuals has now grown into an internationally recognized running scene, bringing health, tourism, and positive energy to the capital.
With each passing year, Islamabad’s running events continue to improve, attracting more participants and setting new standards. The dedication of Islamabad Run With Us (IRU), Islamabad Running Club (IRC), and Margalla Trail Runners (MTR) has been instrumental in this journey. As more people embrace running as a lifestyle, Islamabad is well on its way to becoming one of the leading cities for running sports in South Asia.
For those who have not yet experienced the joy of running in Islamabad, now is the perfect time to lace up your shoes and join the movement. Whether it’s a casual jog in a park or a challenging trail run in Margalla Hills, the opportunities are endless. The city is running, and it’s time for everyone to be a part of it!
Muhammad Tayyab: Print and Broadcast journalist @Islamabad.
