Peshawar Marathon: Mismanagement and Weather Chaos Mar Landmark Event

Peshawar's inaugural marathon, aimed at boosting sports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was disrupted by severe weather and organizational flaws. Despite significant prize money, heavy rainfall and mismanagement led to chaos, accusations of cheating, and a chaotic prize distribution ceremony, necessitating police intervention.

Peshawar's first-ever marathon, intended to herald a new era in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sports, was marred by severe disruptions and glaring mismanagement, as reported by local media. The 25-kilometre race, which started at Chamkani and concluded at the Sports Complex in Hayatabad, faced numerous challenges that compromised its success, according to the Express Tribune.

The marathon, inaugurated by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, aimed to boost regional sports with an increased prize pool. The top prize was raised from PKR 300,000 to PKR 400,000, the second prize from PKR 200,000 to PKR 300,000, and the third from PKR 100,000 to PKR 200,000, totaling PKR 1.5 million dedicated to rewarding exceptional performances. However, the event quickly descended into chaos due to severe weather and poor organization.

Heavy rainfall plagued the marathon, forcing many participants to abandon the race prematurely. The downpour caused significant disruption, with athletes seeking shelter mid-race. Numerous runners exited the course, some leaving the area on motorbikes with friends. Rescue 1122 teams provided assistance but struggled amid the disorder, reported the Express Tribune.

Accusations of mismanagement further tarnished the event. Athletes alleged that some participants used vehicles to cover parts of the course, while others joined midway. These claims underscored significant organizational lapses. The organizing committee faced criticism for its ineffective response, leading to compromised race integrity.

Disorder peaked during the prize distribution ceremony, prompting police intervention to secure the stage and manage the award distribution. The sports advisor assured the public that surveillance cameras along the route monitored the race. He vowed action against those guilty of misconduct and announced a ban on such athletes from future events, reported the Express Tribune.

What was meant to be a landmark event for Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fell short of its objectives due to severe disruptions. The mismanagement and weather impact underscored the need for better planning and execution in future sports initiatives. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)