IoBM alumnus (2020), Muhammad Tajdaar, recently participated in the Philadelphia Marathon. As a representative of Pakistan, he was the only participant from Karachi. Despite a hilly course and cold weather, he completed the full marathon in 4 hours and 32 minutes. When sharing his comments, Muhammad Tajdaar discussed his training schedule. He mentioned that running on the streets at night in Karachi posed a significant challenge. Due to his schedule from 9-6, he could only run after 6 PM, raising safety concerns. After 6 PM, it gets dark because sometimes the streetlights aren't working. The majority of Tajdaar’s marathon training took place on the streets of DHA Phase 8. Traffic in that area is consistently heavy, especially on weekends, adding an extra layer of difficulty to his training runs. Despite these obstacles, Tajdaar remained dedicated to his training for the past 1.5 years and intensified his efforts for the marathon, consistently training for 4 months without a break. On average, he covered a distance of 50 km per week during his marathon training. IoBM is proud of Muhammad Tajdaar’s achievement.
Muhammad Tajdaar's remarkable achievement in completing the Philadelphia Marathon as the sole participant from Karachi aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Notably, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being highlights the importance of promoting health through physical activity, which Tajdaar exemplifies through his dedication to training despite challenging conditions. His journey resonates with SDG 4: Quality Education, emphasizing the need for educational institutions to foster resilience and support students in pursuing their passions. Additionally, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities is reflected in Tajdaar's commitment to navigating urban challenges while promoting a culture of health and fitness within the community. His story serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, showcasing how individual accomplishments can contribute to broader societal goals.