Pakistani ultra runner Jamal Syed has completed a remarkable 275-kilometre run from K2 Base Camp to Skardu in 74 hours, setting a national record and highlighting Pakistan’s potential in adventure sports and sports tourism.
Syed, a Backyard Ultra Asia Champion and three-time Pakistan National Champion, began the demanding journey at K2 Base Camp and completed it in Skardu after 74 hours of continuous effort.
He originally planned to start the challenge at an altitude of 6,000 metres and attempt a world record. However, severe weather conditions made the planned start impossible. Consequently, Lok Sahaita and Syed decided to pursue a national record instead.
Syed completed the entire route without taking a long break or stopping to sleep. The achievement required sustained endurance across one of Pakistan’s most challenging mountain environments.
Broadway Pizza 82nd branch opens near Gulshan-e-Maymar as company expands in Karachi
The ultra runner said the record was not about personal recognition. Instead, he wanted to use the challenge to promote adventure sports, trail running, ultra-marathons and sports tourism in Pakistan.
“This journey was not for me personally. It was for Pakistan and for the young generation of Pakistan,” Syed said.
He added that the initiative aims to encourage young Pakistanis to take up endurance and adventure sports while creating opportunities for local athletes to compete internationally.
Promoting Pakistan as an adventure destination
Syed said another major goal was to attract trail runners and extreme ultra runners from around the world to Pakistan.
He believes the country’s mountain landscapes can provide a unique setting for international adventure sports. Moreover, greater international participation could create new opportunities for sports tourism and showcase Pakistan’s natural beauty to a global audience.
“With the support of Lok Sahaita, our aim is to open a new window for adventure sports in Pakistan, encourage young talent, and create opportunities for Pakistani athletes to represent their country on the international stage,” he said.
Syed also stressed the importance of encouraging young people to adopt healthy sporting activities. He wants more young Pakistanis to explore trail running and other endurance disciplines.
His long-term vision includes creating a pathway for talented Pakistani athletes to compete at international events and bring recognition to the country.
The 275-kilometre K2-to-Skardu challenge therefore represents more than an endurance achievement. It also forms part of a wider effort to promote Pakistan as a destination for adventure sports and inspire a new generation of athletes.
