Hundreds Hit the Streets for the First-Ever Twin City Run in Islamabad & Rawalpindi
Hundreds of runners, families, and children take part in the inaugural Twin City Run, celebrating fitness and community.
Ayesha Mir
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: The streets of Pakistan’s twin cities were alive with cheers, music, and running shoes on Sunday as the inaugural Twin City Run drew hundreds of participants from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The event featured a Half Marathon (21.1 km) and a 5km community run, according to reports by Dawn and The Express Tribune.
Starting from Saddar Metro Station in Rawalpindi, runners passed through historic landmarks, including Raja Bazaar and the Army Museum, before heading to Islamabad’s broad avenues and finishing at D-Chowk. Families, women, and children were a visible presence, making the run more than just a race — a celebration of community and inclusion.
For participants like Usman from Lahore, the route was a highlight. “Running from Rawalpindi’s historic heart to Islamabad’s civic centre was exhilarating,” he said. Journalist Maria Memon, who completed the 5km run, praised the organisers’ focus on environmental awareness. “It was inspiring to run an event that also promoted greener, healthier cities,” she added.
The atmosphere was electric. Live drummers and dhol players provided a rhythmic push along the route, while parts of the elevated Metro track were opened for runners — symbolising the cities’ commitment to eco-friendly transport and public spaces.
Fahad Qureshi, one of the event organisers, said, “The energy was incredible. Seeing entire families, children, and women run across both cities was both unique and heartwarming.”
Medals were awarded to finishers, but the real victory was in the camaraderie and community spirit. According to The Express Tribune, participants described the run as a journey connecting history, culture, and modern urban life, a rare opportunity to experience the twin cities in motion.
The Twin City Run signals the rise of inclusive, community-focused sporting events in Pakistan. With its mix of fitness, festivity, and civic pride, organisers hope it will become an annual highlight, uniting citizens through health, culture, and shared experience.
