TAXILA: The first ever marathon in the 118 years history of Attock district was organised by the local administration on Friday, with a large number of youngsters among the participants.

The 10km marathon held under the banner of ‘Run Attock’ started from Teen Mela Chowk and culminated at Jhanda Chowk.

Apart from athletes and regular runners, a large number of people, including students, took part in the marathon. Deputy Commissioner Attock Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Aitzaz Aslam Martha, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Zulfiqar Ahmed, Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance and Planning Waqar Akbar, District Sports Officer Attock Ejaz Khan, Chief Officer Attock Sardar Aftab Ahmed Khan and Deputy Director Colleges Arshad Khan were also among the participants.

Later, Deputy Commissioner Attock Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema distributed prizes among the winners.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Cheema said the marathon would help the district administration in its efforts to promote peace and sports.

“The manner in which the citizens participated in the marathon is an indication of their commitment to the sport; its presents a positive image of Attock,” Dr Cheema said, adding that efforts were being made to increase sports activities and provide facilities to the people in the sports of their interest.

He announced that such events would be organised in every tehsil so that youth could enjoy such healthy activities. He thanked the administration, private institutions and sports organisations as well as the Punjab Sports Department for organising the marathon.

Speaking on the occasion, District Sports Officer Attock Ejaz Khan said the marathon race would promote healthy activities among the youth.

Talking to newsmen, the participants of the race expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements.

According to results, Mohammad Usman of Fatehjang bagged the first position and won a cash prize of Rs25,000, Jabbar Khan of Hazro stood second and won a cash prize of Rs15,000 and Hassan Ali remained third and secured cash prize of Rs10,000.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2022