Uzma Abid’s journey to becoming a Karachi Marathon finisher is one of persistence, education, and community spirit. She’s an example of how steady effort and self-awareness can transform a simple fitness goal into a lifelong pursuit.

She didn’t grow up as a runner. In fact, she began running precisely because it was her weakest area. “I started running before Covid-19 lockdowns. Running was my weakest link in fitness. In order to improve it, I kept chasing it,” she recalls. What began as solo runs at a local park soon evolved into something bigger. She joined a running club and, before long, was toeing the start line of her first event: “The Special Olympics Pakistan run in 2019 was the first event I ran for fun.”

Uzma learned quickly that running long distances required more than enthusiasm. “It wasn’t easy as it required commitment and time if you trained properly. I tried to be an informed runner and educated myself along the way.” She began studying the science of training, recovery, and endurance, not just to improve her own performance but to share her knowledge with others.

When the Karachi Marathon was announced, Uzma felt an instant pull to represent her city. “I wanted to experience a full marathon on my home ground when it was announced. Having run Istanbul, Berlin, and London, I felt my Karachi was as important.” After conquering some of the world’s most iconic races, this one was personal. It was a celebration of how far she and Pakistan’s running community had come.

Her preparation was strengthened by the power of togetherness. “Community runs and club support made training easier. Marathon training can get quite tedious if you do it all by yourself.” Saturday long runs with her club, the Sea View Runners Club (SVRC), became her anchors. “All our Saturday long runs with SVRC are a memorable part of our training.”

On marathon day, Uzma balanced nerves with composure. “I had mixed feelings. I was nervous yet had control over my nerves to stay calm and composed and do the best I can.” When she crossed the finish line, it was both agony and triumph. “Quite miserable with cramped legs but also felt accomplished. I didn’t expect a podium finish.”

But Uzma isn’t one to stop after one milestone. A certified run and strength coach, she’s passionate about growing the fitness community, especially among women and mothers. “I’m a mom to two teenagers,” she says, adding that she hopes to inspire more women to believe that strength, discipline, and self-care belong to them too.

Her philosophy is simple but powerful: “I highly recommend formal training and education — be it for the shortest distance. Running does come to us naturally but it’s a skill and sport that requires training if you wish to improve.”

As for what’s next? Her answer says it all: “Run the Karachi Marathon again and again!”