Pakistani runners shine at Berlin Marathon

KARACHI: The Berlin Marathon 2025 saw a spirited participation from more than two dozen runners of Pakistani origin, including overseas Pakistanis and those based in Pakistan, who battled through hot and humid conditions to complete one of the world’s most prestigious long-distance races on Sunday.

Karachi’s Mustafa Jafar led the Pakistan-based contingent with a time of 3 hours, 36 minutes and 21 seconds. Despite cramping in the final kilometers, Jafar expressed satisfaction with his effort. “The weather made everyone go slower than expected,” he said. “I was about 15–16 minutes off my target, but I’m happy and satisfied with my performance.”

Close behind was Adeel Sardar (3:44:50), while Kaukab Sarwar emerged as the fastest female runner from Pakistan with a time of 4:03:26. “It wasn’t easy, but I am proud to have completed another marathon medal,” she said.

Other Pakistan-based finishers included Muhammad Hassan (4:22:07), Kamran Lakhany (4:31:21), Hayyaan Ahmad (4:42:37), Hina Shaukat (5:12:20), Saba Khan (5:30:39), Nabila Khaliq (5:39:38), Makiyya Khan (5:55:45), Muhammad Husnain Ashfaq (6:09:58), and Syeda Maimoona Hamdani (6:21:37). Syed Zeeshan Ali was also listed as a participant but his official time could not be confirmed.

Among overseas Pakistanis, the standout performance came from Denmark-based Zeeshan Rab, who completed his 41st marathon overall and 18th of the year in 4:04:57. “I was seven minutes off my personal best but still absolutely happy,” Rab said. “Berlin is still the place for the fastest times, though the heat made it challenging. I now look forward to Malmö and Lübeck marathons.” Britain-based Shahzada Hussain clocked 3:23:37 to finish as the fastest Pakistani overall. Compatriot Hassan Raza followed in 3:31:01, setting a personal best by nearly half an hour. “The weather commanded respect,” Raza said. “No music, just the thought of my wife and daughter kept me going. I surprised myself and feel proud to achieve this for my family and for Pakistanis around the world.”

Starting and finishing at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, the marathon once again provided the stage for fast times, personal milestones and international camaraderie, with Pakistan’s runners adding their own chapter to the city’s rich marathon tradition.