A group of dedicated and passionate Pakistani runners is ready to make history at the world’s oldest and most prestigious long-distance race — the Boston Marathon — scheduled to take place on April 21.
This year, 18 Pakistani runners, including those based in Pakistan and abroad, will participate in the challenging event. Among them, two athletes — Danish Elahi and Faisal Shafi — have set their sights on a world record attempt by completing the marathon in Pakistan’s traditional attire, the shalwar kameez, within four hours. Their aim is not just to break records but to promote Pakistani culture on a global stage.
Speaking to the media, Faisal Shafi shared, “This is more than just an attempt at a world record. It’s an opportunity to showcase the beauty of our culture through sport.”
While the duo could not train in shalwar kameez due to time constraints, they remain determined to meet their goal, believing the message behind their run is more powerful than any medal or title.
In addition, six Pakistani runners are set to complete their “Six Star Finisher” journey, a prestigious title awarded to those who finish all six World Major Marathons — Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, and Tokyo. The athletes achieving this milestone include Danish Elahi, Adnan Gandhi, Heera Dewan, Yasra Bukhari, Nizar Niani, and Jamal Khan.
Renowned Karachi-based runner Adnan Gandhi, who trained during Ramadan, ran over 400 kilometers in March, mostly at night, to prepare for the marathon. “There is a need to promote marathon culture in Pakistan,” he emphasized.
Heera Dewan, one of the standout female participants, expressed how this event marks the result of 14 years of dedication. “I want Pakistani women to believe that they too can break cultural barriers and achieve their dreams in sports,” she said.
Danish Elahi added, “Every athlete dreams of representing their country and making it proud. We want to present the positive image of Pakistan to the world.”
The full list of Pakistani runners participating includes Dr. Salman Khan, Aamir Butt, Jamal Khan, Nizar Niani, Heera Dewan, Salman Ilyas, Yasra Bukhari, Sarah Lodhi, Sadiq Shah, Adnan Gandhi, Ayaz Abdullah, Danish Elahi, Ameen Mukhti, Abdul Rehman, Faisal Shafi, Umar Malik, Qamar Zia, and Dr. Rawia Bukhari.
