23 Pakistanis to take part in Tokyo Marathon

KARACHI: A group of 23 Pakistani runners, including 11 from cities across Pakistan and 12 of Pakistani origin living abroad, will participate in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon on Sunday (today).

The event, part of the prestigious World Marathon Majors, attracts elite athletes and amateur runners from around the globe to its scenic course through Japan’s capital.

The Tokyo Marathon, first held in 2007, is renowned for its organisation, enthusiastic crowds, and a route that showcases the city’s blend of modernity and tradition. The race begins at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and winds past landmarks like the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, and the historic Asakusa district before finishing near Tokyo Station.

This year’s Pakistani contingent includes 19 men and four women, ranging from seasoned marathoners to first-time participants. Among them two are Six Star Finishers -- runners who have completed all six World Marathon Majors - such as Hamid Butt from Lahore and Faisal Shafi from Karachi.

Faisal Shafi, who is running the Tokyo Marathon for the second time, said he is participating to raise funds for a cause close to his heart. “I’m running to support Special Olympics Pakistan for the Winter Special Olympics,” Shafi said. “I’m not aiming for a personal record; I’m running for our special athletes. Tokyo Marathon has always been my favorite, and I’m inspired by Japanese culture, that’s why I’m here.”

Kaukab Sarwar, a Karachi-based runner competing in her fifth major marathon, shared her preparation journey. “My goal is to finish in under four hours,” Sarwar said. “I trained hard for 12 weeks, following various running programs to prepare. The long travel has left me a bit tired, but I’m still hoping for the best.”

Bilal Ehsan, a runner from Islamabad, said his focus is on personal achievement and enjoying the experience. “I’ve trained for eight to nine weeks, and my goal is to achieve my personal best while soaking in Tokyo’s culture,” Ehsan said.

The participation of Pakistani runners in the Tokyo Marathon highlights the growing popularity of long-distance running in Pakistan. Running communities in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have expanded in recent years, with more people taking up the sport for fitness, camaraderie, and personal challenge.

The Pakistani contingent includes runners based in countries such as the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Among the female participants are Khoula Ahmed, a Norwegian-Pakistani runner, and Maheen Sheikh, based in the UK.

Here is the list of Pakistani runners confirmed for the 2025 Tokyo Marathon:

Hamid Butt (Lahore) – 3rd Tokyo | Six Star Finisher

Faisal Shafi SVRC (Karachi) – 2nd Tokyo | Six Star Finisher

Muhammad Junaid (Karachi)

Kaukab Sarwar (Karachi)

Hassan Madni (Karachi)

Anis Kasmani (Karachi)

Bilal Saeed (Karachi)

Anees Khawaja (Multan)

Bilal Ehsan (Islamabad)

Ammar Mumtaz (Islamabad)

Yawar Siddiqui (Islamabad)

Khoula Ahmed (Norway)

Saad Usmani (USA)

Imran Zaffar (Singapore)

Jamal Khan (USA)

Maeen Ud Din (UAE)

M. Rizwan Khawaja (USA)

Atiq ul Hassan (USA)

Maheen Sheikh (UK)

Salman Shafi Chaudhry (NYC)

Imran Ahmed (Norway)

Yusra Bokhari (USA)

Shahnawaz Malik (USA)

As the runners prepare to tackle the 42.2km course, they carry with them the hopes and pride of their nation, underscoring the unifying power of sports and the growing influence of Pakistan’s running community worldwide.