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–Over 11,000 athletes and citizens take part in Lahore mega marathon event, as Karachi athletes dominate key cycling categories in Pakistan’s largest recorded mass sports gathering
BeNewz Report
LAHORE: The CM Punjab National Marathon and Cycling Race 2026 in Lahore brought over eleven thousand participants together. It marked the largest mass sports event in Pakistan’s history, officials said in Lahore on Sunday.
The event began early morning at Liberty Chowk in Gulberg, Lahore. Crowds gathered before sunrise for the start at about 6:15 AM. The race was held under the leadership vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Provincial Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar inaugurated the event by cycling at the start line.
Organisers said participants included children, families, women, and differently-abled athletes. Officials confirmed representation from multiple provinces across Pakistan. The race included competitive and fun categories designed for mass participation and inclusivity.
The competition featured several race formats across distances and categories. These included a 21-kilometre men’s cycling and marathon race. A five-kilometre women’s race was also conducted. A two-kilometre family fun race attracted recreational runners. A one-kilometre wheelchair race highlighted accessibility and inclusion efforts.
Security arrangements were tightened across key routes in Lahore. Traffic police implemented diversions and alternate route plans. Authorities deployed additional personnel along key intersections to manage congestion. Emergency medical teams were also stationed along the track.
Officials stated that more than 11,000 participants registered and joined the event. Punjab sports authorities described it as a record turnout for any national-level road race in Pakistan. Previous large-scale marathons in Lahore and Karachi rarely crossed five thousand participants [verify].
In the men’s 21-kilometre cycling category, Karachi athletes dominated the podium. Ali Ilyas from Karachi secured first position. Aaqib Shah from Lahore finished second. Sanaullah from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took third place. Officials noted strong inter-provincial competition throughout the race.
In the five-kilometre women’s cycling category, Karachi athletes swept all top positions. Zainab secured first place in the race. Anisa finished second after a close contest. Rabi claimed third position, completing a clean sweep for Karachi participants.
Organisers said the event aimed to promote healthy lifestyles across Punjab. The initiative also focused on youth engagement in sports activities. Officials highlighted increasing concerns over physical inactivity in urban populations. The World Health Organization estimates nearly 31 percent of adults globally lack sufficient physical activity [source: WHO, 2024].
In Pakistan, health experts have previously warned about rising sedentary lifestyles. Studies suggest urban physical inactivity rates may exceed 35 to 38 percent in major cities [verify]. Experts link such trends to increasing risks of obesity and heart disease.
Punjab has expanded sports infrastructure investment in recent years. Government statements have previously highlighted mass participation events as policy priorities. Sports development programs have been aligned with youth engagement strategies. Lahore remains a central hub for national sporting events due to infrastructure and population density.
The inclusion of wheelchair racing marked a notable feature of the event. Officials said it reflected efforts toward inclusive sports programming. Disability sports participation remains limited in Pakistan, though awareness initiatives have increased since 2020 [verify].
Global marathon participation has also grown steadily in the past decade. Major city marathons such as London and New York attract tens of thousands annually. International running events often contribute millions in local economic activity [source: IAAF reports, verify].
Cycling events are also gaining popularity in South Asia. Urban cycling is increasingly promoted for health and environmental reasons. Cities such as Lahore have seen gradual increases in cycling awareness campaigns.
Security officials said the event concluded without any major incidents. Traffic flow was restored to normal after race completion. Medical teams treated minor dehydration cases among participants. Organisers praised coordination between police and administration.
Officials said future editions will be expanded further. Plans include more provinces, international athletes, and longer race categories. The government aims to position Lahore as a regional sports hub.
Analysts said such mass participation events can strengthen community engagement. They also support tourism, local business activity, and urban branding. However, sustained investment in infrastructure remains essential for long-term impact.
The CM Punjab National Marathon and Cycling Race 2026 is expected to become an annual fixture. Authorities believe it will continue to expand participation across Pakistan. The CM Punjab National Marathon and Cycling Race 2026 reflects a broader shift toward large-scale public sports culture in Punjab.
