Sports

Twelve Pakistani runners complete NYC Marathon

Pakistani runners mark several triumphs at one of the world's largest and most challenging courses in NYC

By Faizan Lakhani

Published November 04, 2024

A combination of images shows Norwegian-Pakistani runner Khoula Ahmed (left) and Karachi-based runner Kaukab Sarwar with their medals after the New York City Marathon in New York, US, on November 3, 2024. — Supplied

KARACHI: Pakistani runners made an impressive showing at the 2024 New York City Marathon, one of the world’s largest and most challenging courses.

Pennsylvania-based Pakistani-American Syed Ali Hamza completed the marathon in 2 hours 41 minutes and 42 seconds, finishing in 460th place out of 55,525 runners. He was at an impressive pace of 6.11 minutes per mile.

While Ali Hamza was on top of all Pakistan-origin runners, Karachi-based Danish Elahi emerged as the fastest Pakistan-based runner in the New York 2024, completing the marathon in an impressive 3 hours, 26 minutes, and 50 seconds. Following closely was Rufi Shehzada, who finished with a time of 3:32:22, while Pakistani-American Babar Ghias clocked in at 3:38:53.

Other standout performances under four hours included Ammar Mumtaz, Prem Kumar, and Rehman Azhar.

Pakistani runner Danish Elahi poses with his family while holding a Pakistani flag after the New York City Marathon in New York, US, on November 3, 2024. — Supplied

Khoula Ahmed, a Norwegian-Pakistani runner, was the fastest female from Pakistan, finishing with a commendable time of 3:43:02. She was followed by Maheen Sheikh and Kaukab Sarwar, rounding out the top three Pakistani women in the marathon.

This year’s NYC Marathon saw around 40 Pakistani runners, both local and overseas nationals, competing alongside thousands from across the globe.

Pakistani-American runners Yawar Siddiqui (left), Fasih Ul Saleh (centre) and Dr Salman Khan pose with their medals after the New York City Marathon in New York, US, on November 3, 2024. — Supplied

The contingent included Pakistani Americans, as well as Pakistani expats from Norway, the UAE, UK and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, in the men’s elite category, Dutch runner Abdi Nageeye claimed first place, completing the course in 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 39 seconds. Kenya’s Evans Chebet and Albert Korir finished second and third, respectively.