Why Not Introduce Marathon Running in Chitral?
اردوCHITRAL: Chitralis have always had a strong love for physical sports. Polo has been part of our culture for generations, while football, cricket, tug-of-war and other sports have also attracted many participants and enthusiastic spectators.
Why not introduce another sport in Chitral that requires no equipment, no expense and no special infrastructure-marathon running?
A marathon could become an excellent community event. People from different backgrounds and age groups could participate, while 
spectators could enjoy a real competition of human stamina, determination and endurance. Marathon races are popular around the world and have become an important part of sporting and community life in many countries.
The popularity of marathon running is also reflected among prominent personalities. Prince Rahim Aga Khan, for example, has participated in marathon events despite having access to almost every kind of sport. His participation is a reminder of the universal appeal of running as a test of fitness and endurance.
Initially, participants could be divided into three age groups: up to 40 years, 40-60 years, and above 60 years. The event could be held once a month, perhaps on the first Sunday, giving people an opportunity to prepare and participate regularly.
The Chitral Airport runway could potentially be considered as a venue during evening hours, when there are no scheduled flights, subject to permission and all necessary safety arrangements by the relevant authorities.
Such an event would require almost no investment except smart management but could provide considerable benefits. It would promote fitness, encourage healthy competition, bring people together and provide much-needed outdoor entertainment for spectators.
Most importantly, it would encourage us to make better use of one of our greatest resources-our people and their human potential. .. CN report, 27 Sep 2026
Mountainous GB and KPK offers the best terrain to train school children, young women and men, and adults to take up running. Just read about the Kenyans, Ethiopians and Moroccons… they have broken and continue to break records of the fastest times in long, middle and short distance running. On my visit to Gulmit, Gojal I had suggested to the students to take up running… today they have league teams competing in football, ice hockey, volleyball… these sport require equipment and more important land which is expensive and also requires a lot of effor to maintain. However Running only requires running shoes and trails on hills anywhere… yes Chitralis, if they start now, could have Olympic and World record holders in a very short time… the rarified air, the lungs, the strong legs and the hills are the best… please start now!
Absolutely brilliant idea. Simple, dirt cheap, and most healthy possible activity.
This will be an excellent event if started. My British son in law, though around forty now, is a very keen marathon runner. Perhaps during his next visit, which he normally does once a year, it can coincide as well.
Excellent idea!
It is a brilliant idea to have a sport for every one without any expense. It will provide an opportunity of interaction among the people of every walk of life and age- It should be organised by some NGO or any Govt Organisation at least Quarterly both in Lower and Upper Chitral-
Wonder why has nobody thought about it so far. Such a simple, easy and suitable sport for Chitral. Like mentioned in a comment above, if pursued regularly and diligently, we can produce international level marathoners and mountain trail runners because of natural aptitude due to living in high altitude rarefied air.