In collaboration with
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Presents
KHUNJERAB PASS CHALLENGE 2019
Pakistan Air Force, in a joint collaboration with Z Adventures & Serena Hotels, presents a unique running challenge in Northern Pakistan. The event will take place on Saturday 21 September 2019 at Khunjerab Pass.
ABOUT KHUNJERAB PASS
The Khunjerab Pass, at 4,700 meters, is the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway.
ABOUT THE RACE
After successfully organizing numerous ski competitions; and Naltar Marathon last year, Pakistan Air Force has once again teamed up with Z Adventures & Serena Hotels to promote the sport of long-distance running. To this effect, the highest road race in the world under the PAF banner will take place at Khunjerab Pass on 21 September 2019.
ENTRY CRITERIA
30 International runners from 30 countries will be selected to take part in the race. Half the spots will be allocated to female runners. Interested runners are requested to complete the online application form below. All applications will be reviewed by the committee and selected runners will be notified by email in the first week of July.
COST
USD 250.00 per person. This includes all transportation, accommodation, meals, marathon entry fee and sightseeing. Runners will also need to book their own return flights to Pakistan.
AWARDS
Custom-designed medal and T-shirt for all finishers; and trophies for Top 3 male / female in each category.
COURSE
This is going to be the highest road race in the world starting at 4,700 meters above sea-level. It will be a downhill point-to-point course. Maps will be uploaded soon.
SCHEDULE
Wednesday 18 September 2019: Arrival in Islamabad
Arrival of international athletes in Islamabad. Meet and greet by Pakistan Air Force officials who will escort athletes to the host hotel. A short sightseeing tour of Islamabad will be arranged in the afternoon followed by race briefing and dinner in the evening.
Thursday 19 September 2019: Flight to Gilgit
All athletes will board the C130 Air Force plane from Islamabad to Gilgit. The flight time is a little under one hour. In case of bad weather, alternative arrangements will be made to drive the runners in special buses to Gilgit on the world-famous Karakoram Highway. The travel time by bus is between 10-12 hours. Overnight accommodation will be in a local 5-star hotel in Gilgit.
Friday 20 September 2019: Gilgit to Sost
Athletes will board special buses to travel from Gilgit to Sost where they will stay for the night. Sightseeing tours will be arranged during the afternoon followed by race briefing.
Saturday 21 September 2019: Ultra Marathon, Marathon & Half Marathon
All 3 events will start from Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan-China border). As this is a high-altitude event, we will have an 8-hour cut-off for the races. The course will be patrolled by armed forces personnel. Apart from the 30 international runners, the armed forces will have a team of at least 70 serving officers who will take part in various races. After the last runner finishes, athletes will be escorted back to Gilgit.
Sunday 22 September 2019: Rest day & sightseeing in Gilgit
Athletes will spend the day in Gilgit and short excursions will be organized to nearby tourist spots. Flower ceremony and dinner will take place in the evening. Awards will be presented to the local marathon finishers from the armed forces.
Monday 23 September 2019: Return to Islamabad
Athletes will catch the early morning flight back to Islamabad. In case of bad weather, alternative arrangements will be made to travel back by bus.
Tuesday 24 September 2019: Gala Dinner
Farewell gala dinner and award ceremony will take place in a local hotel in the evening.
Wednesday 25 September 2019: Flight back to home country
All international athletes will be dropped off to the airport to catch their return flight home.