Islamabad: Pakistani mountaineer and trail runner Anam Aziz has added another remarkable achievement to her sporting career by winning Pakistan’s first-ever 100-kilometre Galliyat Mountain Trail Ultra Marathon, setting a new benchmark for endurance sports in the country.
The ultra marathon, regarded as one of the most demanding endurance events held in Pakistan, took participants through rugged mountain terrain, dense forests, and wildlife-rich areas, presenting competitors with significant physical and environmental challenges.
Anam Aziz completed the grueling course with an outstanding performance to claim victory, further strengthening her reputation as one of Pakistan’s leading endurance athletes.
Speaking to Geo News after her win, Anam dedicated the achievement to all women in Pakistan, particularly female runners, expressing hope that her success would inspire more women to take up adventure sports.
“I dedicate this victory to all the women of Pakistan, especially women runners,” she said. “I want to continue taking on unique and difficult challenges and represent Pakistan proudly on the international stage.”
Reflecting on the race, Anam acknowledged that the ultra marathon was far from an easy task.
“I knew exactly what kind of challenges I would face,” she said. “There is always the risk of lightning, just as mountaineering carries the danger of snowstorms. Whether it is climbing mountains or trail running, every sport has its own risks. In this race, however, the biggest concern was wildlife.”
She recalled one of her training experiences before the competition, revealing that she had encountered a leopard during a practice run.
“While doing a 40-kilometre training run, I saw a leopard sitting only about 200 feet away on my trail,” she said. “Gradually I became fearless. The fear disappeared from my mind, and I remained determined to complete the challenge.”
Anam explained that mountaineering and mountain trail running are two very different disciplines, each requiring its own set of skills and presenting unique risks.
“The dangers in mountaineering are different from those in trail running, and vice versa,” she said. “Another advantage of trail running is that it takes less time. As a mother, I have to spend time with my children, and a three-day event is easier to manage than a lengthy mountaineering expedition.”
She also highlighted the importance of maintaining fitness throughout the year, stressing that regular exercise should become a permanent part of everyday life.
“I train every day,” she said. “Fitness is essential for everyone, whether you compete or not. Training should become a lifestyle. I work on my fitness throughout the year because it is part of my life.”
Describing her daily routine, Anam said she regularly climbs stairs as part of her endurance training.
“I climb at least 100 floors every day. I always want to keep myself physically fit, and only then do I take on new challenges.”
Looking ahead, Anam revealed that she has already set her sights on another demanding adventure.
“I already have another difficult challenge in mind, and I want to complete it for Pakistan,” she said.
Anam Aziz’s latest achievement marks a significant milestone for endurance sports in Pakistan and highlights the growing participation of women in adventure athletics. Her victory in the country’s inaugural 100-kilometre ultra marathon is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes to pursue long-distance trail running and other outdoor endurance disciplines.
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