Margalla Trail Running Festival 2026

Event Location:

Trail 4 Parking Pir Sohawa Road, Islamabad, Pakistan

Event Description

Registrations are OPENED. You can register before February 2nd to get your customized BIB name printed. After 4th February, Tickets price will increase to 5000 PKR.

The wait is over! Margalla Trail Runners (MTR) is proud to present the 1st ever Trail Marathon on Margalla Hills and all races’ routes with 100% trail terrian.

Test your uphill and downhill endurance and push your limits in this exciting, thrilling, and challenging event.

The 2nd edition of Margalla Trail Running Festival will be on the beautiful and scenic trails of Margalla Hills, Trail 4, Dhok Jewan and Ridge Trail.

The trail running festival consists of multiple ITRA certified trail race distances;
  1. Marathon (50k UTMB Index & iTRA Race)
  2. Half Marathon (20k UTMB Index & iTRA Race)
  3. 14km Trail Race (iTRA Race)
  4. 10km Trail Race (iTRA Race)
  5. 5km Trail Race (iTRA Race)
  6. Kids Trail Run
Trail Running Festival Marathon Race Route
Trail Running Festival Half Marathon Race Route
Trail Running Festival 14km Race Route
Trail Running Festival 10km Race Route
Trail Running Festival 5km Race Route

Sponsorship & Support:
Companies and individuals interested in sponsoring or supporting this historic event, please contact us at +92 346 3863624 or margallatrailrunners@gmail.com

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something epic! Start training now and get ready to conquer the trails!

Frequently asked questions

42K Race Itinerary

SUNDAY 8th February 2026

Meeting Time & Place: 06:30 am at Trail 4 Parking, Islamabad.

Race Briefing: 07:20 am

RACE Starting Time: 07:30 am

Distance: 42km Ascent: 2000 meters.  

Cut Off Time: 8 hours and 15 minutes

Cut Off Time Division: Three loops of Trail 4, Ridge Trail and Dok Trail (Start to Finish)

1st Loop in 2 hours and 30 minutes 

2nd Loop in 2 hours and 45 minutes

3rd Loop in 3 hours

Race Route

Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/344082760

21K Race Itinerary

SUNDAY 8th February 2026

Bib Collection: 07:10 to 07:30 am at Trail 4 Parking, Islamabad.

Race Briefing: 07:50 am

RACE Starting Time: 08:00 am

Cut Off Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Distance: 21km Ascent: 1100 meters.  

Race Route:

Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3318882085573419876

Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/329328393

14K Race Itinerary

SUNDAY 8th February 2026

Bib Distribution: 07:10 to 08:10 am at Trail 4 Parking, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Race Briefing: 08:20 am 

RACE Starting Time: 08:30 am 

Cut Off Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Distance: 14km

Ascent: 650 meters.  

Race Route:

Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/2839750678346710474

Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/245218065

10K Race Itinerary

SUNDAY 8th February 2026

Bib Distribution: 07:10 to 08:40 am at Trail 4 Parking, Islamabad.

Race Briefing: 08:50 am

RACE Starting Time: 09:00 am

Cut Off Time: 2.5 hours

Distance: 10km

Ascent: 450 meters.  

Race Route:

Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/2818214437128451466

Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/316917841

5K Race Itinerary

SUNDAY 8th February 2026

Bib Distribution: 07:10 to 09:10 am at Trail 4 Parking, Islamabad.

Race Briefing: 09:20 am

RACE Starting Time: 09:30 am

Cut Off Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Distance: 5km

Ascent: 250 meters.  

Race Route:

Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/2918801399116686316

Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/323825760

Race Disclaimer

I declare, that I will abide by the rules of the event and accept that the organizers will not be liable for any loss, damage, action, claim, costs or expenses which may arise in consequence of my participation in this event.

I declare that I will not compete in this race, unless I am in good health and will be competing at my own risk.

I authorize the organizers to use any details or photographs, motion pictures, recordings or any other documents of this event for legitimate purpose. 

· Trail Running, especially 42km, 21km and 14km Races, is demanding running events and you should be fit enough to at least run the majority of the route. The event is not open to those intending to walk the entire event.

· The organizers of the race have the right to refuse entry and the decision of their officials will be final.

· Race registration (other than Kids Trail Run and 5km Race) only for people over 14+

· The Organizer reserves the right to cancel or make any last-minute alterations to the route or cancel any race due to FORCE MAJEUR circumstances. ·         Additionally, all athletes should use due care under the circumstances to comply with all rules, regulations, statutes, and laws of Pakistan.

· Your decision to voluntarily partake in the event/race signifies your acknowledgment of the disclaimer and that you shall not bring any legal action against organizers of the events for any claim.

· Your signature will be required upon registration in order to participate, as a confirmation that you have read, accept and will abide to the laws & rules as specified in the declaration above.

I have read and understand the information regarding this event and understand that I participate in this event at my own risk.

Race Rules, Guidelines & Code of Conduct (DO’s & DON’Ts)

Official Participant Guide: Margalla Trail Running Festival 2026

Welcome to the Margalla Trail Running Festival. To ensure a safe, professional, and environmentally conscious event within the Margalla Hills National Park, all participants are required to adhere to the following Code of Conduct and Race Regulations.


Environmental Stewardship & Waste Management

  • Zero Tolerance for Littering: Participants must not discard trash of any kind on the trails. Any runner found littering will face automatic disqualification from the current race and may ban from future events.
  • Waste Disposal: Dedicated garbage bags are provided at the Start/Finish venue and all Aid Stations. All personal waste must be deposited in these receptacles.
  • Disposable Cup Policy: In our effort to reduce landfill waste, we aim for minimal environmental impact. While pitchers will be available at Aid Stations for refilling, limited disposable cups will be provided. Runners must have to give back disposable cups to volunteers at the aid stations. Runners don’t have to throw disposable cups in any case. Participants (42K, 21K,) are highly encouraged for carrying their own hydration vessels or reusable cups.

 

Race Authority & Protocol

  • Director’s Mandate: The Race Director (RD) maintains final authority over all race aspects. The RD may make exceptions or rulings on issues not explicitly listed here if deemed necessary for the health and safety of the event.
  • Cut-off Times: Pace requirements will be strictly enforced. Runners must be checked OUT of an aid station before the designated cut-off time to continue.
  • Dropping Out: Any participant unable to finish the race must officially withdraw by notifying the Aid Station Captain at the nearest checkpoint.

 

Code of Conduct

  • Respect for Personnel: Participants must treat all volunteers, staff, and fellow runners with dignity. Harassment, verbal abuse, or disrespectful behavior toward fellow runners, management or visitors will result in immediate disqualification.
  • Course Integrity: Shortcuts are strictly prohibited. Any participant found "cutting the course" or deviating from the marked trail will be disqualified.

 

Health, Safety, and Equipment

  • Medical Fitness: By entering, you certify that you are medically fit, properly trained, and do not possess any underlying conditions that could endanger yourself or others during the event.
  • Mandatory Preparation: Runners must carry individual gear and supplies appropriate for the distance, weather conditions, and personal nutritional needs.
  • Trail Hazards: The course features technical terrain, including rocks, roots, steep drop-offs, and local wildlife. High-quality trail footwear is mandatory.
  • Emergency Protocol: If you become lost, seek assistance immediately and contact race management or your emergency contact.
  • Safety Interventions: Race management reserves the right to remove any runner from the course if their physical condition or external safety factors are deemed a risk.

We wish you an amazing race experience and look forward to seeing you at the starting line on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Best of Luck,

Team Margalla Trail Runners

Organized By :  
Event Location

Trail 4 Parking Pir Sohawa Road, Islamabad, Pakistan

Event Location