KEY POINTS
- Islamabad Night Run 2025 aims to raise the bar with new surprises
- We never wanted this to be a tough competition: Organiser
- Islamabad Night Run includes 5K and 10K categories
ISLAMABAD: As the sun prepares to set behind the scenic Margalla Hills on the evening of May 17, 2025, Pakistan’s capital is getting ready to host one of the city’s most exciting fitness events — the Islamabad Night Run.
Following the remarkable success of last year’s edition held on May 25, 2024, which saw hundreds of participants take part at Trail 5 Parking, this year’s run is expected to be even bigger.
In 2024, the night atmosphere, cooler temperatures, and vibrant crowd created a refreshing contrast to the typical morning marathons.
Now in its second edition, the Islamabad Night Run 2025 aims to raise the bar with new surprises, more inclusive participation, and a festive environment welcoming runners of all levels.
The Islamabad Night Run is more than just a race; it is a celebration of community, movement, and inclusivity.
Its charm lies in its atmosphere — city lights glowing in the distance, the stars above, and the cool night-time breeze that encourages every step forward.
Vision behind the night run
For many, it is not about beating a stopwatch, but about being part of something memorable. That is exactly how the organisers envisioned it.
The minds behind this event are passionate runners: Yawar Siddiqui, Nouman Iqbal, Talal, Shahid Shah, and Fahad Qureshi, accompanied by many more.
Together, they have transformed the idea of a traditional run into a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming gathering.
With a rich portfolio of international marathon experiences, Yawar is one of the early athletes who introduced professional running to Islamabad.
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His mission has always been to spread the joy of running, not as an elite sport, but as an accessible lifestyle for everyone.
“We never wanted this to be a tough competition,” said Yawar in a pre-event message. “This is about fun, health, and bringing people together. Most running events are during the day and can feel intense. We thought — why not make something different, something that people can enjoy after work or studies, under the stars?”
This philosophy is clearly reflected in the design of the event. The Islamabad Night Run includes 5K and 10K categories, carefully chosen to accommodate both seasoned runners and beginners.
The 5K is especially popular with families, new runners, and those simply looking to enjoy a peaceful jog in a safe, social setting. The 10K option offers just enough challenge for the more committed runners, but without the high-pressure race feel.
Taking the initiative to Lahore and Karachi
Inclusivity is at the heart of the Night Run. One of the most uplifting sights during last year’s event was the large number of women who participated — some running with friends, others walking with children, and many just soaking in the positive vibes.
Families came out in large numbers, turning the event into a community evening with food stalls, music, and lights.
Looking forward, the organisers have even bigger dreams. They are planning to take this unique concept to Lahore and Karachi, aiming to inspire a broader audience and cultivate a national running culture.
“We’re also bringing new surprises this year for the audience,” said Yawar.
Participants sharing their experiences
Abid Khan, 28, participated in last year’s Islamabad Night Run to push his limits and enjoy the unique experience of running on a summer night. “I wanted to experience a summer night run and push myself beyond my limits,” he said.
Reflecting on the event, he shared, “It was amazing and wonderful.” For Abid, the highlight of the night was the energy and unity of the crowd.
“The best part was seeing all of Islamabad’s youth gathered together, and the music show was absolutely superb.”
Muhammad Qasim, 27, is a competitive runner, but even he found something special in the laid-back vibe of the event.
“Most of the time, I’m focused on timing and personal bests. But this was different. People were cheering for strangers, clapping, smiling. It didn’t feel like a race — it felt like a celebration.
The energy was electric. And the fact that it was at night gave it a unique edge. I think it’s the kind of event that could bring even non-runners into the fold.”
Empowering women participants
For Ayesha Sadiq, 24, the Night Run meant reclaiming a space. “It’s rare to find events where women feel completely safe and welcomed, especially after dark. But this one was different. The organisers made sure everything, from lighting to volunteers to crowd control, was managed carefully. I came with my sister, and we jogged at our own pace, laughed a lot, and took so many pictures. It felt like we belonged there. It was empowering.”
Maham Tanvir, only 20, attended her first-ever formal run that night. “I had no idea what to expect. I’m not a regular runner, but a friend convinced me to try. I was nervous, but by the time I crossed the halfway mark, I felt unstoppable. People around me were so encouraging — strangers became cheerleaders. It was a memory I’ll always hold close.”
Beyond these personal stories, the Night Run is shaping a much larger narrative in Pakistan. Events like these promote community health, encourage outdoor activity, and breathe new life into public spaces.
