Pakistan’s Historic Victory at the Mahé Seychelles Nature Trail

Pakistani runners left their footprints and raised the flag of victory in Mahé, Seychelles, as the free skies of Seychelles echoed with chants of Pakistan Zindabad. On the morning of August 23, 2025, at 7 a.m., the 22-kilometer-long trail running competition began in Mahé, Seychelles. A total of 169 runners from across the world participated, including 9 runners from Pakistan. As soon as the signal was given, all participants set out to complete the Seychelles Nature Trail Challenge 2025. The Pakistani runners, too, were crossing the tough rocks and dangerous paths with zeal and determination.

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In this historic contest, Waqar Ahmed from Chitral completed the 22-kilometer mountainous course in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 30 seconds, winning first place and bringing glory to Pakistan. Umer Zaman from Islamabad completed the race in 2 hours and 14 minutes, securing second place, while another runner from Islamabad, Muzzammil Shehzad, claimed the fourth position.

Not only the men, but the women also made Pakistan proud in this challenging trail run. Anum Azeer from Lahore completed the race in 4 hours and 24 minutes, earning the title of the fastest runner among women. After her, Nilab Kiyani from Islamabad, with great determination, secured second place. Zaira also successfully completed the race. Pakistani journalists Raja Mohsin Ijaz and Faizan Lakhani were also among those who managed to finish the trail. After the remarkable success of Pakistani runners, Seychelles resounded with chants of Pakistan Zindabad. Prizes were also distributed among all the runners who successfully completed the trail.

The trail route is extremely difficult, consisting of sharp rocks and massive boulders. It includes several technical points, requiring not only practice but also quick thinking. At some places, there are steep slopes alongside towering cliffs, while at others the paths twist and turn across uneven terrain. The towering rocky mountains and huge boulders are accompanied by deep ravines, and alongside them flows the roaring sea, further fueling the runners’ passion. All runners kept striving relentlessly toward their goal, enduring many injuries in their attempt to conquer this tough challenge.

Through this trail, Seychelles Tourism also aimed to highlight that the true beauty of nature lies in its unspoiled colors. To enjoy nature, it is everyone’s responsibility to protect it from harm. In this dense forest, where natural beauty is scattered everywhere in abundance, the Seychelles Nature Trail was free from pollution and litter, allowing the runners to enjoy their run in a clean environment. Another goal of Seychelles Tourism was to promote running as a sport, encouraging more people to take part in such healthy activities and grow fond of them.