(Web Desk) - Pakistani mountaineer and trail runner Anum Uzair has achieved another major milestone by winning the country’s first-ever 100-kilometre Galiyat Mountain Trail Ultra Marathon, one of the toughest endurance races held in Pakistan.
The demanding event challenged runners with steep mountain terrain, dense forests and the constant threat of wildlife. Despite the difficult conditions, Anum completed the gruelling race with determination and endurance.
Talking to a private TV channel, Anum dedicated her victory to the women of Pakistan, especially female runners. She said she hoped to represent the country internationally by taking on more challenging and unconventional competitions in the future.
Reflecting on the risks involved, Anum said she knew the race would be far from easy. She pointed to the possibility of lightning strikes and compared the danger to the threat of snowstorms faced during mountaineering expeditions. Wildlife, she added, was another major concern.
Anum recalled encountering a leopard during a training run for a 40-kilometre race. She said the animal was sitting around 200 feet ahead of her on the trail. The experience, she explained, eventually helped her overcome her fears and become more confident.
"Once I overcame the fear, I focused entirely on my goal — and achieved it," she said.
Comparing mountaineering with trail running, Anum said the two disciplines presented very different challenges and risks. However, she noted that trail-running events generally require less time, allowing her to balance her sporting ambitions with her responsibilities as a mother.
She also highlighted the importance of staying fit throughout the year. Anum said she exercises regularly and considers fitness essential for everyone, whether they participate in competitive sports or not.
As part of her fitness routine, she said she climbs the equivalent of up to 100 floors of stairs and keeps herself physically prepared for whatever challenge comes next.