Karachi, Muhammad Tajdaar, an alumnus of the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi, class of 2020, recently made his city proud by completing the Philadelphia Marathon. Tajdaar was the sole participant from Karachi in the event and represented Pakistan on an international platform. Despite challenging conditions, he successfully finished the marathon, showcasing remarkable endurance and determination.
According to Institute of Business Management, Tajdaar completed the full marathon in 4 hours and 32 minutes, overcoming the hilly terrain and cold weather of Philadelphia. In his comments, he reflected on the rigorous training regimen he followed in Karachi. Tajdaar faced considerable challenges due to his work schedule, which only allowed him to train after 6 PM. The post-sunset training was particularly difficult as the streets often lacked adequate lighting, raising safety concerns.
The majority of his training was conducted on the streets of DHA Phase 8 in Karachi, an area known for its heavy traffic, particularly on weekends. This added complexity to his preparation but did not deter his commitment. Tajdaar dedicated himself to intensive training for the marathon, maintaining a consistent routine for 1.5 years and intensifying his efforts in the final four months without any breaks. He averaged a distance of 50 kilometers per week during his marathon training.
Tajdaar’s achievement is a source of pride for IoBM and Karachi, demonstrating his dedication and passion for long-distance running. His successful completion of the Philadelphia Marathon as the only participant from Karachi is a notable accomplishment in the field of sports, highlighting the potential and perseverance of Pakistani athletes.