KARACHI/SKARDU: Pakistani ultra runner Jamal Syed has completed an extraordinary 275-kilometre run from K2 Base Camp to Skardu in 74 hours, setting a national record and highlighting Pakistan’s growing potential in adventure sports and sports tourism.
A Backyard Ultra Asia Champion, three-time Pakistan National Champion and experienced long-distance runner, Jamal began the challenge at K2 Base Camp and completed the demanding journey to Skardu in a single continuous effort.
The original plan was to begin the run from an altitude of 6,000 metres and attempt a world record. However, severe weather conditions made the planned starting point impossible. Following the challenging conditions, Jamal Syed and Lok Sahaita decided to pursue a national record instead.
Jamal completed the 275km journey without taking a prolonged break or stopping to sleep, demonstrating exceptional endurance through some of the region’s most demanding mountainous terrain.
The runner said the achievement was not about personal glory but about promoting adventure sports, trail running, ultra-marathons and sports tourism in Pakistan.
He said the mission also aims to inspire young Pakistanis to take up endurance and adventure sports while creating opportunities for talented athletes to compete internationally.
Another key objective of the initiative is to attract trail runners and ultra-distance athletes from around the world to Pakistan and showcase the country’s mountain landscapes as a destination for international adventure sports tourism.
“This journey was not for me personally. It was for Pakistan and for the young generation of Pakistan,” Jamal said, adding that with Lok Sahaita’s support, the initiative aims to create a new platform for adventure sports, encourage young talent and help Pakistani athletes represent the country internationally.
Jamal said his long-term vision is to encourage young people to adopt healthy sporting activities, develop an interest in trail running and adventure sports, and establish pathways for talented Pakistani athletes to compete on the international stage.
The initiative’s broader message is to use endurance sport as a way to inspire the next generation while presenting Pakistan’s extraordinary mountain landscapes to the global adventure sports community.
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