Margalla Hills Half Marathon
Pakistan's Original Trail Half Marathon · Est. 2018
4th Official Edition · Sunday, 3rd May 2026 · Margalla Hills National Park, Islamabad
Islamabad Run With Us (IRU) founded the Margalla Hills Half Marathon in 2018 — the first trail running half marathon in Pakistan's history. Before this race existed, there was no blueprint for organised trail running in the country. IRU built one.
Eight years later, the Margalla Hills Half Marathon remains the standard. A capped field, a technically demanding course, a community that returns every year, and a finish line that means something precisely because of everything the trail demands before you reach it.
The 4th official edition runs on 3rd May 2026. This is the race that started it all.
Registration Status
The 500-slot cap was reached last week. Registration was closed.
Due to the race being postponed to 3rd May 2026, 100 additional slots have been released — split across both categories. These are the last slots available for this edition. Once they fill, registration closes permanently. There will be no further exceptions and no race-day registration under any circumstances.
If you were on the waitlist, asked to be notified, or missed the original window — this is your final chance.
Registration is open now. It will not stay open long.
All finishers receive a race medal. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Slot Availability — Updated
Trail Half Marathon (21.1KM): Limited slots remaining Trail Starter 5K: Limited slots remaining
These are bonus slots released due to the postponement. Once gone — the race is full. Final.
Refund Policy
All registrations are final.
Tickets once purchased are non-refundable and non-transferable under all circumstances — including schedule changes, personal unavailability, or any other reason.
In case of event postponement, all purchased tickets remain valid for the new date. No refunds will be processed.
Race Categories
Trail Half Marathon — 21.1KM For runners who want the full Margalla Hills experience. Technical terrain, significant elevation gain, and one of the most scenic routes in Pakistan. View route on Strava →
Trail Starter 5K Your first step into trail running. Same mountain, same trails, a distance designed to be your beginning — not your limit. View route on Strava →
The Course
Trail 5 · Trail 2 · Trail 4 · Trail 3
From the gathering point at Trail 5 Parking, the course takes runners through the most scenic and technically demanding sections of the Margalla Hills. Forested climbs. Rocky single-track. Sweeping views of Islamabad from elevation. A descent that tests everything you have left.
This is not a road race with a hill in it. This is a trail race built for the terrain it runs on.
Registration
Early Bird — PKR 3,500 18 February – 30 March 2026 (closed)
Regular — PKR 4,000 31 March onwards · Last slots available now
Total capacity: 500 runners + 100 bonus slots due to postponement. This race is strictly capped. The 100 bonus slots are the final availability for the 2026 edition. No exceptions once these fill.
All finishers receive a race medal. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Race Day Details
Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2026 Gathering point: Trail 5 Parking, Margalla Hills National Park, Islamabad Reporting time: 5:15 AM
Cut-off times: Half Marathon — 4 hours Trail Starter 5K — 1.5 hours
Eligibility
Open to male and female participants. Half Marathon: 18 years and above Trail Starter 5K: 14 years and above
BIB Collection
BIB collection is mandatory. There is no BIB collection on race day — no exceptions, no appeals.
Collection venue: Vinegar Cafe, F6 Markaz, Islamabad
Friday, 1st May 2026 · 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Saturday, 2nd May 2026 · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Bring your registration confirmation (digital or printed). Once collected, pin your BIB to the front of your shirt and keep it visible for the entire race. Do not cover or damage the timing chip on the reverse.
Fresh registrations (subject to slot availability) can also be completed at the BIB collection venue during the same dates.
Prizes
Finisher medal: Every runner who completes the race receives one.
Cash prizes: Awarded to the top 3 male and top 3 female finishers in the Half Marathon category. Prizes distributed within 15 days of race day.
Why This Race
- Pakistan's first and original trail half marathon — founded 2018
- Organised by IRU, the pioneer running community of Pakistan
- Capped race — 500 slots sold out in the original window
- 100 bonus slots now available due to postponement — final availability
- ITRA member · UTMB Index rated · 20K points
- A race that helped build trail running culture in Pakistan from the ground up
Sponsorship
Interested in partnering with the Margalla Hills Half Marathon? Contact Qasim Naz · 0313-789-6969
The Margalla Hills Half Marathon · Est. 2018 · Organised by IRU — Islamabad Run With Us Pakistan's original trail half marathon
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