GILGIT BALTISTAN, AUG 30 (DNA) – The first Pakistan Karakorum Marathon, hosted by Serena Hotels in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force and Z Adventures, drew hundreds of avid marathon aficionados including international record holders and prize winners to the beautiful Gilgit Baltistan region.

Thirty-five international athletes from 24 nations arrived in Islamabad over the weekend while an additional thirty-five Pakistani runners also participated. The runners were joined by 70 members of the Armed Forces staff.

The five-star Serena Hotels housed the participants over the course of the event, taking the opportunity to showcase the immense beauty and extraordinary tourist attractions of Pakistan.

The seven days adventure included visiting interesting tourist spots in Islamabad and Northern Pakistan.

The Pakistan Air Force was responsible for the logistics of the event and Air Commodore Shahid Nadeem, Project Director, said, “Hosting the event has made the world realise how beautiful and hospitable Pakistan is and to portray a soft image of our country abroad.

We have also been holding international ski federation races previously with the support of Serena Hotels but there was no activity for the youth during summer time.

The PAF intends to develop Naltar Valley as a model valley to be replicated in other parts of Pakistan”.

The 42 KM full marathon was won by Aslam Khan from Ghizer in male category whereas Careline Drew from U.K secured the first position in women category.

The half marathon of 21KM was won by Shahid Ali in male category and Nadia Raheem in women category.=DNA

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