LAHORE: Pakistan’s Government College University (GCU) Lahore student Faizan Ahmed Faiz has completed a gruelling 1,100-kilometre run from Lahore to Skardu in 22 days, crossing plains, steep mountain roads and some of Pakistan’s most challenging terrain.
A member of the Falcon Triathlon Club, Faizan completed the endurance journey in Skardu on Thursday, September 17. Starting from Lahore, he travelled on foot through Gujranwala, Jhelum, Rawalpindi and Islamabad before continuing towards Abbottabad, Naran, Babusar Top, Chilas and Raikot on his way to Skardu.
Lahore runner Faizan Ahmed is now just 28km from Skardu after completing another 52km on Day 21 of his 1,100km run.
Faizan covered the distance from Dambudas to Kachura Checkpoint, taking him through some of the toughest terrain of his journey.
The GCU student and Falcon… pic.twitter.com/W95QdP7OvO
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) September 16, 2026
The demanding route took him across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, exposing him to changing weather conditions, long-distance stages, difficult climbs and rugged mountainous terrain.
Journey dedicated to martyrs of armed forces, police
Faizan dedicated the journey to the martyrs of Pakistan’s armed forces and police, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The challenge also sought to raise awareness about drug abuse, particularly among young people, while promoting healthier and more constructive activities.
During the journey, Faizan interacted with communities along the route and encouraged young people to adopt healthy lifestyles and stay away from drugs.
GCU Lahore student and Falcon Triathlon Club member Faizan Ahmed has completed a gruelling 1,100km run from Lahore to Skardu in 22 days.
He ran through the plains of Punjab and the challenging mountainous terrain of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, dedicating the journey… pic.twitter.com/2U8fGz4V3I
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) September 17, 2026
The 22-day feat adds to his involvement in endurance sports and highlights the considerable physical and mental demands of completing the Lahore-to-Skardu journey entirely on foot. Faizan Ahmed Faiz is a third-semester Psychology student at GCU Lahore.
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Faizan, a seasoned athlete, who is also a sports ambassador of Punjab government, has been running for the past eight years. Just three months ago, he successfully completed an 800-kilometer run.
“I want to motivate our people, whether young or old, to give up drug use and prioritise their physical well-being. By embracing a healthy lifestyle, we can fill our sports grounds and reduce the burden on our hospitals,” Faizan said as he began his journey from GCU’s historic Clock Tower to Skardu.
