By Syed Khalid Mahmood
(Pakistan News & Features Services)
Long distance runners Mohammad Yousuf Malik and Mona Khan will represent Pakistan in the upcoming 50th edition of the famous Athens Marathon 2023 due to be organized in the capital of Greece on November 11 and 12. The event is being organized by Hellenic Athletics Association (SEGAS) with Hellenic Republic Region of Attica being the co-organizers.
The marathon races, held in the cities of New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and Tokyo are among the most sought-after ones but the Athens Marathon is acclaimed as the most prestigious annual event of its kind which was launched in 1972. It could not be organized in 2020 due to the pandemic of Covid-19 and now its Golden Jubilee edition is being staged this year with great fanfare.
A record number of more than 70,000 runners from 140 countries are expected to take part in the Athens Marathon, which is traditionally held on second Sunday of every November. The participation of Pakistani marathon runners in the event augurs well for future of athletics in the country.
