By J. Choudhry
ISLAMABAD: In what seems like an extraordinary feat, Shujahat Ali Jadoon, a blind young man, has made history by setting a record in the Karakoram Ultra–Khaplu League. Jadoon completed a grueling 21.1-kilometer marathon on the rugged mountainous trails of Khaplu Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan on 07th September 2024. This marks the first time a blind athlete has not only participated in the Karakoram Ultra but also finished a half marathon in under three hours, leaving the participants and organizers in awe.
The question on everyone’s mind is: how did Shujaat Ali Jadoon achieve this remarkable milestone? Rabia Ali, a former medalist of the marathon and host of The Truth International (TTI’s) YouTube channel, shared the captivating story. TTI, an Islamabad-based media outlet, partnered with the Karakoram Ultra, and Rabia Ali herself traveled from Islamabad to Khaplu Valley for the marathon held from September 5-8, 2024.
According to Rabia, this was the first time a blind athlete dared to participate in such a challenging event. Jadoon underwent extensive training before the race to prepare for the daunting task. Jadoon is not new to sports; he is an accomplished blind cricketer who plays at the Abbottabad Division level. Despite his visual impairment, he has an extraordinary ability to navigate his surroundings, especially in sports.
A Dubai-based Pakistani, a dedicated trainer accompanied Jadoon during his preparation, helping him acclimate to the difficult terrain of the marathon course. After rigorous training, Jadoon was finally given the green light to compete in the Karakoram Ultra–Khaplu League.
Allowing a blind athlete to compete in such a demanding race posed significant challenges for the organizers, but through determination and hard work, they succeeded in making Jadoon’s dream a reality. He was approved to run the half marathon (21.1 kilometers) as it was his first major running event.
Rabia Ali is receiving her shield for participating in the Karakoram Ultra.
Despite numerous setbacks and discouragements throughout his journey in sports, and in life, Jadoon persevered. The Karakoram Ultra organizers took up the challenge to help him succeed, and their efforts paid off spectacularly when Jadoon completed the marathon in less than three hours. His next goal? To participate in an international marathon. Rabia Ali revealed that the organizers are working to enable Jadoon’s participation in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon on 14th December 2024.
We urge the concerned authorities to officially recognize Jadoon’s achievement as Pakistan’s National Half Marathon Record by a Visually Impaired Person and support him so he can represent Pakistan at international endurance events.
Laudable role of Local Administration
Organizers of the Karakoram Ultra lauded the role of the local administration saying their help made the marathon successful. All the administrators of the area deserve appreciation for enabling Endure Sports and the participants of the marathon to achieve their goals.
Karakoram Ultra 2025
The next edition of the Karakoram Ultra will take place in January 2025 in Khaplu Valley, but in a different pattern, marking the second marathon organized by Endure Sports. According to Rabia Ali, The organizers aim to expand the event by inviting international athletes to compete.
About the Karakoram Ultra (Khaplu League)
(Karakoram Ultra, an initiative of Endure Sports (Pvt) Limited https://endure.pk, is dedicated to showing the Softer-Image of Pakistan to the world by promoting Eco-Tourism, Community Development, and preserving nature by plantation at high altitudes through endurance sports. Khaplu League is the pioneering event of many future endeavors that are under vigorous planning by the organizers.)
Endure Sports held a four-day Karakorum Ultra (Khaplue League) from 5-8 September in Khaplu Valley. Khaplu League is Pakistan’s first high-altitude trail running series. The event was set in Thalay Broq, at an altitude of 3,544 meters, within the scenic Khaplu Valley in Ghanche District, Gilgit-Baltistan. The Khaplu League features a 55.4-kilometer ultra-trail marathon and a 21.1-kilometer half-trail marathon, open to both male and female participants. To support local athletes, Endure Sports offered 20 free entries to participants from Gilgit-Baltistan, along with prizes for all finishers.
Meanwhile, in line with its commitment to environmental conservation, the organization plans to plant 200 fruit trees in 22 villages across Khaplu Valley and 1,000 Safeda plants under the glacier above the valley. The Khaplu League served as a pioneering event and a pilot run, setting the stage for future high-altitude trail running competitions in Pakistan. With the event, Endure Sports invites all running clubs and communities across the nation to participate, offering five free entries per club, and ensuring that participants have access to race support stations every 10 to 12 kilometers. Through this groundbreaking event, Endure Sports continues its mission to bring together sports, unity, and environmental conservation, making a meaningful impact on both the sporting community and the environment in Pakistan.
TTI becomes Media Partner of Endure Sports
Earlier, Endure Sports announced an exciting media partnership with The Truth International (TTI). The Truth International is an Islamabad-based media organization, running a website, a fortnightly magazine, a YouTube channel, and a Research Department. The collaboration is set to offer enhanced insights and updates, furthering Endure Sports’ mission to promote eco-friendly tourism, environmental protection, and community development through endurance sports.
Meanwhile, audiences were allowed to conduct exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, special reports, and the opportunity to follow along as Endure Sports embarked on this remarkable journey.
About Endure Sports (Pvt)
Endure Sports (PVT) Limited is recognized as a premier sports agency committed to the promotion of high-altitude trail running events throughout Pakistan. The organization’s mission is to inspire athletes across the nation by hosting high-caliber events that provide opportunities for both aspiring and professional athletes. By fostering exceptional talent in endurance sports, Endure Sports aims to elevate the standard of these disciplines and seeks partnerships with sponsors to further enhance the quality and impact of its initiatives.
Central to Endure Sports’ objectives is the promotion of sports in Pakistan, particularly through the provision of free coaching in long-distance endurance running for individuals of all age groups. The agency is dedicated to fostering unity by embracing diversity, ensuring that no discrimination occurs based on caste, creed, gender, color, religion, sect, or political affiliation.
The “Fit, Clean, and Green Pakistan” initiative spearheaded by Endure Sports raises awareness on environmental hygiene, glacier preservation, drug abuse prevention, tree plantation, pollution control, and general health, contributing to the vision of a healthier and more environmentally conscious nation.
The mission of Endure Sports also includes elevating Pakistan’s image on the global stage by representing the country at international sporting events and organizing competitions within Pakistan that meet international standards.
Additionally, the agency is deeply invested in promoting eco-tourism, aiming to showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural and natural heritage. A key focus is on engaging local communities, encouraging them to participate in sports and social causes that benefit society at large.
