Who We Are
Our Profile
Margalla Trail Runners (MTR) is Pakistan's first and leading trail running organization, founded and run voluntarily by a passionate community of trail-running enthusiasts. Dedicated to promoting trail running, mountain running, ultra-running, and endurance sports, MTR has pioneered many of Pakistan's first-of-their-kind running events while setting new benchmarks for professionally organized races that meet international standards. Through its annual events, training initiatives, and community activities, MTR inspires runners of all abilities to embrace an active outdoor lifestyle, explore Pakistan's breathtaking landscapes, and become part of a growing trail and endurance running community built on fitness, resilience, adventure, and respect for nature.
Our Mission
eMBRANCE THE MOUNTAINS
The primary objective of Margalla Trail Runners (MTR) is to promote running, trail running, and a healthy outdoor lifestyle in Pakistan. We welcome runners of all ages, abilities, and genders, encouraging everyone to experience the joy and challenge of trail running without discrimination. MTR is a community for those who are passionate about running farther, faster, and safer across mountains and trails, from beginner-friendly routes to the most demanding terrain.
Our Vision
Margalla Trail Runners (MTR) envisions Pakistan as a leading destination for trail running tourism by promoting the country’s spectacular hills, trails, and mountains to runners from around the world. As trail running continues to grow globally, MTR is committed to inspiring more people to experience the unique connection between running and nature, while showcasing Pakistan’s breathtaking landscapes and building a vibrant, inclusive trail running community.
Javed Ali
Founder & Head
Nicholas Berry
Co-Founder
Waqar Khattak
Core Lead
Waqas Sheikh
Advisor & Analyst
Shahid Munir
Core Lead
Dr Haseeb Ur Rehman
Physio
2027 annual Events Schedule
Margalla Trail Runners (MTR) is a leading trail running organization in Pakistan dedicated to promoting trail running, endurance sports, and outdoor adventure through world-class events. MTR organizes a series of annual endurance events across Pakistan, including:
- Margalla Trail Running Festival – Held every February on the scenic Trail 4 and Dhok Jewan trails of the Margalla Hills, Islamabad. The festival features trail races ranging from 300 meters to the marathon distance and includes ITRA and UTMB Index certified races.
- Margalla Marathon – Conducted annually on the first Sunday of April, bringing together runners of all abilities for one of Pakistan’s premier road marathon events.
- Margalla Triathlon – Held on the third Sunday of April, offering athletes the opportunity to compete in a multi-sport endurance challenge.
- Galiyat Mountain Trail (GMT) – Organized during the first weekend of July on the spectacular trails of Galiyat, Pakistan. The event features 100 km, 70 km, 50 km, 30 km, and 20 km trail races, all recognized with ITRA and UTMB Index certification.
- Margalla Backyard Ultra (MBU) – Held annually on the first Saturday of December at Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9 Park), Islamabad. As Pakistan’s first-ever Backyard Ultra, MBU is officially affiliated with the international Backyard Ultra organization and follows the globally recognized “Last One Standing” race format.
Through these events, Margalla Trail Runners continues to develop Pakistan’s trail and endurance running community, providing professionally organized races that meet international standards while showcasing the country’s natural landscapes and fostering a culture of fitness, resilience, and adventure.