Serena Hotels Hunza Marathon 2017 Draws Hundreds
July 9, 2017: (PR) Serena Hotels under the banner of Sports Diplomacy and Pakistan Youth Outreach hosted the 2nd Serena Hotels Hunza Marathon 2017 to raise environmental awareness as the marathon slogan for the year was “Say No to Pollution”.
The event consisted of a 42 km full-marathon for professionals and a 10 km and 5 km half-marathon for amateurs. Gear for the marathon was distributed a day earlier and young people were encouraged to engage in exercise and raise awareness about the consequences of pollution. Approximately 92 boys and girls participated in the Marathon
The Marathon was followed by a prize distribution ceremony at the Hunza Serena Inn The Chief Guest Mr. Fida Khan Minister of Tourism Giligit-Baltistan awarded the medals to the winners of all the categories. The full marathon 1st position male was Mr. Sulaiman and female Bibi Nabat the 10km marathon 1st position male was Ahsan Baig and female Shehzadi Mehman.The winner of the 5km marathon male was Muhammad Mateen and female Ms Kafia Karim.
Minister Tourism Mr.Fida Khan and Assistant Commissioner Hunza Mr. Shehryar khan has expressed their views. They have special thanked and appreciated Serena Hotel to arrange such a wonderful event in Hunza region.
Pakistan Youth Outreach (PYO) was formed by Mirza Ali and Samina Baig, renowned mountaineers, to promote mountain adventure, outdoor education and awareness, and also to develop youth involvement in volunteerism and community support. Serena Hotels association with the siblings began when Serena Hotels founded the Adventure Diplomacy Group to help them conquer seven of the world’s highest peaks across seven continents.
Organizations, like Serena Hotels, are strategically placed and have the capacity to support and promote causes such as the ‘Say No to Pollution’ campaign and the use of sports to encourage young people to gather under the banner of such causes extends their impact and outreach.
Serena Hotels has incorporated sports diplomacy into its annual calendar by hosting, sponsoring or facilitating diverse tournaments and matches which transcend cultural differences and bring people together. The high altitude marathon is a challenging event even for the most seasoned runner but attracts people due to the picturesque views and varying inclines.
There is a universal passion for sports across different ages and types of people which paves the way to transcend linguistic and sociocultural differences and bring people together. Participation in sports and athletic activities teaches leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that help young people succeed in all areas of their lives.
The Marathon was followed by a prize distribution ceremony at the Hunza Serena Inn.
