NATHIAGALI – The fourth edition of the Galiyat Mountain Trail Race took place on July 20, marking another significant step in the growth of trail running in Pakistan. Organized by the Margalla Trail Runners (MTR), this event attracted both local and international participants, solidifying its reputation as Pakistan’s premier mountain trail race.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Galiyat mountain range, the Galiyat Mountain Trail Race featured two challenging race categories: the 60KM Ultra and the 20KM Trail. Each race was designed to push runners to their physical and mental limits, offering a true test of endurance.
The 60KM Ultra race began early in the morning at 5:00 AM from Thandiyani. This grueling race featured a 2,000-meter elevation gain and a strict 12-hour cutoff. Wiqar Ahmed emerged victorious, completing the course in a record-breaking 6 hours, 39 minutes, and 58 seconds, narrowly beating last year’s winner, Muzammil Shahzad Awan, by just 45 seconds. Sadiq and Sajjad finished in a tie for third place with a time of 7 hours, 51 minutes, and 6 seconds.
In the women’s 60KM category, Christina Wieser successfully defended her title, crossing the finish line at 8:28:14. Anja Myrtveit followed in second place at 9:08:40, while Anum Uzair displayed remarkable perseverance, completing the race in 12:57:30.
The 20KM Trail Race, which started at 11:00 AM from Nathia Gali Club, was also a fierce competition. Featuring a 500-meter elevation gain and technical terrain, Israr Muhammad led the men’s race with a time of 1:43:17, closely followed by Muhd Saad Sikandar, who finished just 35 seconds behind. Muhammad Ramzan claimed third place with a time of 1:49:41.
Jessie Beham claimed first place in the women’s 20KM race, finishing at 2:43:00. Saltanat Simbina followed closely in second place at 2:45:00, with Neelab Kayani completing the podium at 3:01:00.
With nearly 230 participants, including national athletes, international runners, and foreign diplomats, the 2025 edition of the Galiyat Mountain Trail Race showcased a vibrant community of trail runners. The race is Pakistan’s only ITRA and UTMB-certified trail race, offering participants valuable qualifying points for global events.
The event’s success was made possible through the support of several key sponsors and partners. CUST University served as the title sponsor, while Nestlé Professional provided hydration support. Nizam Watch House awarded timepieces to the top three finishers, and Flow Events handled the event’s execution. Digital coverage was managed by Optimize Digital, bringing the race’s story to a wider audience.
MTR founder and race director, Javed Ali, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support. “The turnout, energy, and spirit this year were phenomenal,” he said. Runners appreciated the event’s flawless organization, the dedicated volunteers, and the breathtaking yet challenging terrain. Veteran runner Israr Khattak, a past winner of the 20KM, praised the improvements in the race, calling it “nothing short of amazing.”
Despite unpredictable weather, the Galiyat Mountain Trail Race was executed smoothly, cementing Pakistan’s potential as a hub for adventure tourism. As the race continues to grow globally, it is not just an athletic challenge but a celebration of nature, endurance, and the adventurous spirit of Pakistan.
Official results for the 60KM Ultra are expected to be available soon on the ITRA website.
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