Pakistan’s top runners make mark at Boston Marathon

KARACHI: Under the crisp morning skies of Massachusetts, Pakistan’s running community etched its name into the storied legacy of the Boston Marathon, delivering standout performances that blended athletic excellence with cultural pride.

At the 129th edition of the world’s oldest annual marathon, Amin Mukaty and Sara Lodhi emerged as Pakistan’s fastest male and female finishers, while two other runners—Faisal Shafi and Danish Elahi—made history by setting a unique world record: completing the grueling 26.2-mile (42.2 km) race in under four hours while wearing traditional shalwar kameez.

The Boston Marathon, renowned for its punishing elevation changes, particularly the famous Heartbreak Hill, tests even the most seasoned runners. Yet 23-year-old Amin Mukaty, a Karachi-based athlete who qualified on time, conquered the course in 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 47 seconds, the fastest by any Pakistani this year.

“Heartbreak Hill couldn’t break my heart,” Mukaty posted on Instagram after the race. “The Boston Marathon tested my limits, but I rose to the challenge. Proud to represent Pakistan on the world stage.”

Close behind was fellow Karachi runner Abdul Rehman, who crossed the finish line in 2:51:13, calling it his best marathon yet. While Mukaty and Rehman raced in conventional running gear, Faisal Shafi and Danish Elahi chose a different path - one that honored their heritage. The duo completed the marathon in 3 hours and 26 minutes, marking the fastest known finish by runners in traditional Pakistani attire, Shalwar Kameez.

“This record is dedicated to all of Pakistan,” Elahi told this correspondent in an exclusive interview. “Setting a record in a historic race like Boston is truly memorable.” Shafi, equally elated, added: “We did this to highlight Pakistan’s positive image, and we will celebrate this victory back home.”

Leading Pakistan’s women contingent was Sara Lodhi, a 39-year-old mother of three based in the UAE, who finished in 3:24:46. For Lodhi, this was her ninth career marathon and fifth World Marathon Major, a testament to her discipline and determination.

“As a mother of three girls, it’s really important to me to model that woman can achieve anything they set their minds to,” Lodhi said. “They see the discipline - waking up at 3 a.m. to train before they’re ready for school.”

Reflecting on her journey, she added: “This is the first generation of Pakistani women running marathons, and I’m grateful to be part of this movement. Qualifying and performing well here has been a humbling journey, Alhamdulillah.”

The marathon also marked a milestone for six Pakistani runners who earned the prestigious Six-Star Finisher medal, awarded to those who complete all six Abbott World Marathon Majors: Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, and Tokyo.

Among them was Danish Elahi, who secured his sixth star in Boston. “It means the world to me,” he said. “It’s not just a personal achievement but a tribute to my family, my parents, wife, and kids, who supported me through this journey.”

Others who joined the elite Six-Star club in Boston included Adnan Gandhi, Hira Diwan, Yusra Bokhari, Jamal Khan, and Nizar Nayani.

Dr. Salman Khan, a US-based Pakistani who has now run Boston five times, watched with pride as more of his compatriots made their mark. “Seeing all the Pakistani runners here is a dream come true,” he said. “With each year, more Pakistanis are representing their country at international venues. This is just wonderful.”

Thirteen Pakistani runners, out of eighteen in action on Monday, achieved sub-four-hour finishes, showcasing the country’s growing depth in long-distance running:

1. Amin Mukaty – 2:48:47

2. Abdul Rehman – 2:51:13

3. Nizar Nayani – 3:01:46

4. Omer Malik – 3:05:40

5. Sadiq Shah – 3:12:17

6. Ayaz Abdulla – 3:15:06

7. Salman Ilyas – 3:19:14

8. Dr. Salman Khan – 3:24:45

9. Sara Lodhi – 3:24:46

10. Danish Elahi – 3:26:53

11. Faisal Shafi – 3:26:55

12. Aamer Butt – 3:39:56

13. Jamal Khan – 3:57:56

Other finishers included Hira Diwan, Adnan Gandhi, Qamar Zia, Yusra Bokhari, and Dr. Ravia Bokhari, further cementing Pakistan’s presence on the global marathon stage.