Pakistani Runners Set to Make History at 129th Boston Marathon
Eighteen Pakistani runners are poised to create history at the 129th Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest marathon, on April 21. With unique flair and determination, this talented group is representing Pakistan on the global stage.
Among the standout athletes are Danish Elahi and Faisal Shafi, who are aiming to achieve a world-first: completing the marathon in under four hours while wearing Pakistan’s traditional attire, the shalwar kameez.
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Six of the runners—Danish Elahi, Adnan Gandhi, Hira Diwan, Yusra Bokhari, Nizar Nayani, and Jamal Khan—are also set to earn the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal by completing all six major marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. Faisal Shafi has already secured this honor in 2024, becoming the eighth Pakistani to finish all six. Hira Diwan, the only Pakistani woman in this group, is inspiring many with her incredible journey.
The Pakistani contingent, comprising athletes from Karachi, Islamabad, the UK, and the USA, includes seasoned marathoners like Dr. Salman Khan and Huma Rehman, who’ve excelled in previous races. They will be part of the 30,000 runners from 128 countries, racing over the 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston.
Social media is buzzing with pride, with many fans expressing their support: “Our runners are making Pakistan proud!” With the marathon’s theme, “Meet the Moment,” these athletes are doing just that, showcasing Pakistan’s talent on a prestigious global platform.
