Teenager secures third place in Islamabad half marathon

ISLAMABAD: An 18-year-old teenager has secured the third position in the first-ever Islamabad Half Marathon in which over 350 people including national athletes participated.

The Islamabad resident Amir Abbasi completed the 21.1 kilometres distance in 1 hour 28 minutes. The half marathon started from Trail Five and finished near the F-10 Markaz of the federal capital.

Amir Abbasi secured third position in half-marathon. Several athletes and members of the Pakistan Army and WAPDA also participated in the event, despite which Amir beat the odds to win against them.

He expressed willingness to join the army and become an athlete to represent his country nationally and abroad. He said that he has to face immense trouble due to the lack of resources.

He said that there has been no official support and his family has to bear all his expenses despite their limited means. He added that he belongs to a poor family and cannot afford to bear the hefty expenses.

Discussing his daily routine, Amir said he wakes up before sunrise for prayers and starts training at 5 AM which including warmups and exercise coordination workout.

He said he as already won three gold medals in this marathon. He also secured ninth place in the Peshawar marathon held last month. He said that he wants to an athlete and is working hard day and night to fulfill his dreams but needs further support and encouragement from authorities to make the nation proud.

The Islamabad Half Marathon along with a 10Km and 5Km Women Road Race was held on 16th February 2020 in collaboration with District Administration Islamabad.