In a remarkable display of national pride and endurance, two Pakistani athletes, Faisal Shafi and Danish Elahi, created a unique world record at the 129th edition of the Boston Marathon — the oldest marathon in the world. Hailing from Karachi, both runners made history by completing the marathon wearing Pakistan’s traditional attire, shalwar kameez.
The duo not only ran the entire race in shalwar kameez but also set a record for the fastest marathon completed in traditional Pakistani clothing, finishing the race together in an impressive 3 hours and 26 minutes. This marked the first time in history that anyone has completed a marathon in under four hours while wearing shalwar kameez.
Speaking to Geo News after their achievement, Danish Elahi dedicated the record to the people of Pakistan and said that making history in a legendary race like the Boston Marathon was a moment he would cherish forever. Faisal Shafi, also speaking after the event, shared that their goal was to showcase a positive image of Pakistan on the global stage, and they look forward to celebrating the accomplishment back home.
The symbolic run highlighted both the athletic endurance and cultural pride of the runners, drawing admiration from around the world.
Meanwhile, in the main competition, Kenya’s John Korir claimed the men’s title, finishing the race with a stunning performance. Last year’s winner, Evans Chebet, had to withdraw mid-race due to fitness issues. On the women’s side, Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi emerged victorious, also recording an impressive time.
Such events truly showcase the spirit and unity of the community. It’s inspiring to see how athleticism and cultural heritage come together in such a meaningful way. The global recognition they received is well-deserved and highlights the impact of their efforts. This run is a reminder of how powerful symbols can be in bringing people together. What inspired them to organize this symbolic run in the first place?