If you missed the Gulberg Afterglow Dash 2025, you missed a night to talk about. Lights. Music. Cheers. Feet pounding on a lit-up race route map in Gulberg. Friends and families cheered from the sidelines at a festival unlike any other. This was more than a 5KM night run Islamabad has ever seen — it was a complete celebration.
Quick Snapshot
Date: 7th September 2025 run
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Gulberg Islamabad
Distance: 5.7 KM under the lights
This wasn’t just any night run — it was the most talked-about Gulberg Islamabad night run of the year.
Registrations and the Crowd
The run was meant for 300 people. Demand surged, so organisers raised the cap to 650. By race week, 650+ runners had already signed up and were given BIBs and RFID chips to measure their exact timings.
Still, there was more to come! More than 200 people registered on the event day, and 400+ unregistered runners joined the fun. That mix — registered, on-site sign-ups, and spontaneous runners — took things to a whole new level.
When families, friends, and runners were added, the crowd grew past 3,000 people. There were three thousand voices, three thousand claps, and three thousand smiles. It felt huge and electric.
How the Night Began?
The pre-race vibe was exciting. Announcements set the tone. Route briefings were clear. A professional warm-up got bodies ready.
Then, right before the start, fireworks lit the sky. Bright bursts. Loud cheers. The whole place glowed. The moment the gun went off, the route under the lights came alive — truly one of the biggest Gulberg Afterglow Dash highlights of the evening.
Timing, Safety, and Smooth Flow
Every registered runner had a BIB and an RFID chip. That meant split-second timing and fair results.
Security teams kept the track clear. Traffic plans were in place. Alternate vehicle routes were open. Result: no long traffic jams. Smooth entry and exit for everyone.
Hydration points were set up along the route. Runners could grab Gatorade, water, bananas, and dates. Things were practical, easy, and safe.
Who Ran — and Who Cheered?
This was a mixed field. Office teams turned up, students came, and sports clubs showed up. Participants included people from Telenor, Riphah University, and Cadet College Hassan Abdal.
The Pakistan Road Runners were there too, adding a whole new layer of pace to the field. About 30% of runners were women. Children under 13 ran with big smiles.
One special moment: the 5th prize winner came from Kazakhstan — a real sign of diversity and community life at Gulberg.
The Race Itself
5.7 KM under lights. That’s fast when the course feels alive. Some runners finished in under 15 minutes. Fast legs. Fast minds. The route was lit and cheered the whole way.
Hydration points, volunteers, and marshals kept things steady. The atmosphere pushed many to run harder than they planned. The crowd, music, and lights lifted the entire experience.
Winners, Prizes, and Moments to Remember
Medals, cash prizes Half Million PKR, and giveaways waited at the finish line. Winners took home trophies and applause.
Others walked away with memories. Families posed for photos. Friends high-fived. Kids chased each other around the finish area. Simple, perfect scenes at this family friendly fun run Islamabad.
A Run With Purpose
This wasn’t just about running. It was a flood relief charity run. Sport met support.
20% registration donation was given to the Flood Relief Fund. The run raised money and awareness. Fitness with a clear cause made the celebration feel deeper — joy and care at once.
Organisers and Partners
This event was organised by Gulberg Islamabad and iGate Realty, in association with Islamabad Run With Us.
Teams worked behind the scenes. They handled logistics, safety, and the guest flow. They set up hydration, cleared the route, and managed the crowds. Their work made the night feel easy for everyone there.
Little Details That Mattered
- Professional warm-up session before the flag-off.
- Announcers who kept energy high.
- RFID chips for exact race timing.
- Hydration stations with water, Gatorade, bananas, and dates.
- Clear traffic plans so vehicles move without creating jams.
- Fireworks show just before the start to lift spirits.
- There were Kids Dash & family activities like face painting and a bouncing castle to keep children entertained.
- Food stalls and glow accessories made the night more exciting.
- Families enjoyed snacks, drinks, and treats together.
The event became a complete family festival for runners and non-runners alike.
Why Gulberg Stood Out That Night?
Above all, the Gulberg Afterglow Dash 2025 showcased what Gulberg Islamabad stands for — a safe, thriving, and lively community.
It reminded everyone that Gulberg isn’t just a vision for the future but a place that’s alive today, full of activity, connection, and celebration.
