Karachi
As tens of thousands of runners gather for the 129th Boston Marathon on 21st April, a group of 18 Pakistani runners, both from the homeland and the diaspora, are set to make history.
Among them, two Karachi-based runners, Danish Elahi and Faisal Shafi, will attempt a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in Pakistan’s traditional Shalwar Qameez, aiming to finish under four hours on one of the world’s most challenging courses.
While Danish and Faisal are eying a world record, five others (and six including Danish Elahi), will be completing their six-star finisher journey at Boston joining an elite group of athletes who have finished all six Abbott World Marathon Majors (Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, and Tokyo).
Adnan Gandhi, Hira Diwan, Yusra Bokhari, Nizar Nayani and Jamal Khan are among the runners who will complete their 6th world major marathon on Monday.
The Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon, will see over 50,000 participants this year, with an estimated one million spectators lining the 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton to Boylston Street. Known for its gruelling hills, particularly the infamous Heartbreak Hill near Mile 20, the race tests even the most seasoned runners.
For Pakistan’s contingent, this marathon is not just about personal achievement but also about showcasing national pride and resilience.
