Anum, Uzair elevate Pakistan in the world of ultra endurance

 

From Summits to Start Lines

Anum, Uzair elevate Pakistan in the world of ultra endurance

 

Asher Butt

Pakistan isn’t just home to towering mountains and breathtaking landscapes — it's also home to some truly inspiring athletes who are breaking barriers, one summit and one stride at a time. Among them, the husband-wife duo Anum Uzair and Uzair Ahmed are quickly becoming icons of strength, resilience, and high-altitude endurance.

While most couples bond over movie nights or vacations, Anum and Uzair are writing their story across some of the toughest terrains on earth. From summiting Manaslu (8,163 meters) — the eighth-highest mountain in the world — to conquering Broad Peak, Minglik Sar, and the notorious Hispar Pass, their mountaineering record speaks volumes. But the adventure doesn’t stop at peaks.

Their latest achievement? Finishing the Galiyat Mountain Trail 60K — an internationally certified ultramarathon held in the mesmerizing Galiyat region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan — on July 20, 2025.

 

What is the Galiyat Mountain Trail 60K?

This isn’t your average marathon. It's a UTMB World Series and ITRA-certified trail race — meaning it meets international standards in terms of course difficulty, safety, and athletic prestige. The 60-kilometer ultramarathon winds through the thick pine forests and majestic slopes of the Himalayan foothills, starting from Thandiyani and finishing at Khaira Gali. The course demands over 3,000 meters of elevation gain, with steep climbs up Miranjani and Mushkpuri Tops, the scenic Pipe Trail, and a historic tunnel that takes runners back in time — literally and figuratively.

 

A Pakistani woman on top of the trail

While many runners struggled to even reach the finish line, Anum Uzair blazed her way through the unforgiving course in 12 hours and 57 minutes — securing first place in the women's category and making a powerful statement for Pakistani women in endurance sports.

 

Her performance wasn’t just about speed — it was about consistency, control, and conquering the mental battles that define every kilometer of an ultra. She wasn’t just running for a medal; she was running for representation, resilience, and pride.

 

Uzair Ahmed: The barrister who runs mountains

Running beside her, quite literally, was Uzair Ahmed — a full-time barrister and full-time mountain soul. Completing this ultramarathon wasn’t just a physical challenge for him, but also a personal affirmation of the couple’s shared lifestyle of pushing limits, defying odds, and redefining strength.

Their presence on the course brought more than athletic skill — it brought meaning, emotion, and purpose to every mile covered.

 

Why it matters

What makes this story truly remarkable is that Pakistan is still a developing nation in terms of outdoor sports infrastructure. Events like the Galiyat Mountain Trail are helping change that — not only by attracting international runners but also by spotlighting our local talent.

Anum and Uzair’s journey proves that you don’t need to be born in the Alps or train in elite European camps to become a world-class ultra-endurance athlete. What you need is grit, belief, training, and the will to climb — both physically and metaphorically.

And yes, the UTMB points they’ve now earned open doors to global races like UTMB Mont-Blanc in France — considered the Olympics of trail running.

 

What we can learn

Passion isn’t limited by profession — Uzair balances legal practice with world-class adventure.

Power couples build together — they’re not just partners in life, but partners in pursuit.

Women are leading from the front — Anum’s win is a message to every young girl watching: you belong on the trail too.

Pakistan’s mountains are for more than photos — they are training grounds for the world stage.

 

Final thoughts

The journey of Anum Uzair and Uzair Ahmed is not just about medals or finish lines. It’s about carving space for Pakistani athletes in spaces where they’ve been long underrepresented. It's about showing that from courtrooms to cliff edges, from gym floors to mountain trails, excellence has no boundaries.

As they continue to scale new heights and race across new trails, their story invites all of us to lace up — whether for a run, a climb, or simply the next big challenge in our lives.

Have you ever tried trail running or hiking in Pakistan? Share your thoughts or trail dreams in the comments below. And if Anum and Uzair’s story inspired you, hit the share button — because someone else out there might need this push too.