President General Pervez Musharraf has said that by participating in the marathon the people had amply demonstrated that there was no room for extremism in Pakistan. In a chit chat with media persons after inaugurating the 42km Third International Marathon at Punjab Stadium here on Sunday.
The President said that the marathon was a good event and the people, by their participation in large numbers had rejected the extremist forces in the country.
He said that the marathon-like activities would push up to the forefront Pakistan's soft image in the world, and the success of this event was proof that the people of Pakistan were not behind anyone in sports and other activities in any sphere of life.
He said that sports activities, as held in Lahore, should also take place in other cities of the country, and the good example here should be followed.
The President reiterated that Pakistan was a moderate country and its correct perception is now being projected all over the world.
He asked the people to actively participate in sports activities as it produces healthy body and mind necessary for an active and vibrant nation.
Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool, Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi and senior officials were also present on the occasion. Later, a marvellous run by Ethiopian athlete Ksemya Eramathia earned him the top position among the runners in 42-km category, while Kenyan athlete David Kainue and Mark Yatidge secured second and third positions in the race.
In another race, the 10km event, Kenyan runner Patrick Makan set a new record.
In the 10km event, Kenyan athlete Patrick Makan won the race by covering the distance in record 28.02 minutes. His compatriot Nicholas Makar won the second place and Ethiopian runner Axeria captured third place.
Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes won top seven positions in the race.
In the tricycle race, for special people, Karachi's Karim Bakhsh was the winner while the second and third positions of the event were also claimed by Karachiites Ghulam Abbas and Nasir Butt, respectively.
Lahore's Azhar won the wheel chair event, while Mardan's Asadullah and Lahore's Amir Yousuf won second and third positions, respectively.
In 3km special event for the blind, Mohammad Noor Qureshi from Swabi won the top spot, while Bahawalpur's Khalil Ahmed and Gujranwala's Zulfiqar Bukhari won second and third positions, respectively.
Usman of Gilgit won the family fun race of five kilometres, and Asif Iqbal and Mansab won second and third positions in the event.
Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi distributed prizes along with certificates among the winners. He said the mega event was drawing increasing attention of the masses each year and was a profound success.
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