Karachi gears up for global half marathon ‘One Run’ on May 24

Karachi is set to lace up once again as it hosts the ‘One Run’ event for the second year in a row on Saturday, May 24, joining thousands of runners worldwide in what is billed as the world’s largest half marathon.

Over 200,000 participants from across the globe will take part in this synchronised event, including more than 2,000 runners from Karachi, making it a significant moment in Pakistan’s growing fitness and running culture.

In Karachi, the race will start from the Emaar Sales Center in DHA, offering runners a scenic and breezy route along the city’s picturesque coastline.

With its well-maintained tracks and refreshing sea views, the Emaar route is expected to deliver a memorable experience for both amateurs and seasoned athletes.

The event caters to all fitness levels, featuring race categories of 1 km, 5 km, 10 km, and the flagship 21.1 km half marathon, ensuring inclusivity for families, beginners, and elite runners alike.

Shoaib Nizami, CEO of Sports in Pakistan, expressed pride in the continued collaboration with One Run and the opportunity it presents for international exposure.

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“We’re thrilled to partner with One Run for the second time, further solidifying Pakistan’s presence on the global sports stage,” Nizami said.

“This event continues to showcase our sporting talent, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality to the world.”

It’s worth noting that the One Run concept was first introduced in 2017 in Russia, simultaneously held in 10 cities.

The event rapidly expanded and, by 2020, made history with a synchronised start across all Russian regions, setting two Guinness World Records for uniting the most cities in a half marathon.

By 2023, One Run had gone global, with five countries — including China, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Tajikistan, and Belarus — joining the movement.

Now, in 2024, with Karachi once again on the map, Pakistan continues to stride forward on the global fitness calendar.

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ICC delegation reviews Champions Trophy preparations at National Bank Stadium

KARACHI: A six-member International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation visited the National Bank Stadium here on Thursday to evaluate the progress of the preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation thoroughly assessed the ongoing development work and took photographs of various sections of the stadium.

They were accompanied by representatives of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), including Usman Wahla, PCB’s Director of International Cricket, who provided an extensive briefing on the progress.

According to sources, 90% of the construction and renovation work at the National Bank Stadium has already been completed.

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The visit to Karachi was part of a larger assessment plan, with the ICC delegation also scheduled to inspect venues in Rawalpindi and Lahore in the coming days.

The tour aims to ensure all necessary facilities, including an ICC temporary office to be set up in a newly constructed building, are in place before the tournament.

The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

Meanwhile, the season finale is scheduled on 9 March in Lahore, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.

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Sarfaraz Ahmed joins ICC Champions Trophy tour in Karachi

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led the country to their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy title in 2017, attended the trophy tour event at a private college in Karachi on Friday.

Sarfaraz received a hero’s welcome from students and faculty alike upon his arrival.

The wicket-keeper, while talking with students, reminisced about the unforgettable moments from their victorious campaign.

“All our players will remember every single moment from that event. It was a historic achievement for us,” he shared.

He posed proudly with the gleaming Champions Trophy, surrounded by the eager students, who were thrilled to be part of the occasion.

Originally, Sarfaraz Ahmed was scheduled to join the Champions Trophy tour at the iconic Mohatta Palace, however, due to permission issues, the photo shoot was relocated to the college.

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The ongoing Champions Trophy tour commenced in Karachi on November 20, captivating the city. On the inaugural day, the trophy was showcased at the vibrant Burns Road food street, allowing fans to soak in the atmosphere of celebration.

The following day, the silverware was showcased at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre, located in the National Bank Cricket Arena.

The trophy was later taken to the Edhi Centre followed by a picturesque photoshoot at Seaview, capturing the trophy against the stunning backdrop of the coastline.

It’s worth noting that the trophy’s tour of Karachi is set to continue until November 25. The much-anticipated journey of the prestigious silverware began with a grand launch at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad on November 17.

Schedule of Trophy Tour of Champions Trophy 2025

  • 22 – 25 November – Karachi, Pakistan
  • 26 – 28 November – Afghanistan
  • 10 – 13 December – Bangladesh
  • 15 – 22 December – South Africa
  • 25 December – 5 January – Australia
  • 6 – 11 January – New Zealand
  • 12 – 14 January – England
  • 15 – 26 January – India

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Sarfaraz Ahmed to pose with Champions Trophy at Mohatta Palace today

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led the country to their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy title in 2017, is set to make a special appearance later today at the iconic Mohatta Palace in Karachi as part of the prestigious trophy tour.

The sources have confirmed that Sarfaraz has received an exclusive invitation for a photoshoot at Mohatta Palace alongside the coveted Champions Trophy following the Friday prayers.

While fans will be unable to interact directly with the cricketing icon during this exclusive event, it is a celebration of Sarfaraz’s monumental contributions to the sport and the nation’s cricketing legacy.

Pakistan, under the inspired leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed, clinched the Champions Trophy in 2017, securing a historic 180-run victory over their arch-rivals India in the final.

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The ongoing Champions Trophy tour commenced in Karachi on November 20, captivating the city. On the inaugural day, the trophy was showcased at the vibrant Burns Road food street, allowing fans to soak in the atmosphere of celebration.

The following day, the silverware was showcased at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre, located in the National Bank Cricket Arena.

The trophy was later taken to the Edhi Centre followed by a picturesque photoshoot at Seaview, capturing the trophy against the stunning backdrop of the coastline.

It’s worth noting that the trophy’s tour of Karachi is set to continue until November 25. The much-anticipated journey of the prestigious silverware began with a grand launch at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad on November 17.

Schedule of Trophy Tour of Champions Trophy 2025

  • 22 – 25 November – Karachi, Pakistan
  • 26 – 28 November – Afghanistan
  • 10 – 13 December – Bangladesh
  • 15 – 22 December – South Africa
  • 25 December – 5 January – Australia
  • 6 – 11 January – New Zealand
  • 12 – 14 January – England
  • 15 – 26 January – India

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ICC delegation visits National Stadium to review Champions Trophy arrangements

The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation visited the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday to review the arrangements for the upcoming Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation reached Karachi last night and visited the National Stadium this morning, inspecting the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

After Karachi, the ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

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Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

However, Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

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ICC delegation to visit Karachi’s National Stadium to review Champions Trophy arrangements

The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is set to visit Karachi’s National Stadium to review the arrangements for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The six-member delegation will reach Karachi tonight and will visit the National Stadium tomorrow to inspect the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

The six-member delegation includes event organizers and security representatives, who will also meet representatives of law enforcement agencies in Karachi.

The ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Geoff Allardice refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

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