Pakistani runners Faisal Shafi and Danish Elahi made global headlines after setting a unique world record at the 129th Boston Marathon — the world’s oldest annual marathon. The Karachi-based athletes completed the 26.2-mile course in an impressive three hours and 26 minutes, becoming the first runners in history to finish a major marathon in under four hours while wearing Pakistan’s traditional shalwar kameez.
Their synchronized start and finish symbolized unity, determination, and pride in their cultural heritage. Despite no official marathon category for traditional clothing, the duo’s achievement was formally recognised by the Guinness World Records, marking a significant milestone in both sports and cultural representation.
Tribute to Pakistan
Both Shafi and Elahi dedicated the achievement to the people of Pakistan. “This record is dedicated to all of Pakistan,” Elahi said in an interview. Shafi added, “We did this to highlight Pakistan’s positive image, and we will celebrate this victory back home. Their presence and performance on the international stage aimed to challenge stereotypes and bring positive visibility to their nation, blending athleticism with cultural expression.
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Global Spotlight and Local Pride
Their unconventional attire turned heads among spectators and fellow athletes, drawing admiration for the blend of endurance and identity. The pair’s feat was widely praised as unprecedented and inspiring. The Boston Marathon, first held in 1897, is considered one of the world’s most prestigious long-distance races. Finishing the race in traditional dress not only required physical fitness but also the ability to overcome the practical challenges posed by the loose-fitting attire.
Pakistani Presence at the 2025 Boston Marathon
Shafi and Elahi were part of a larger contingent of 18 Pakistani runners who participated in the marathon. All 18 successfully completed the race, with 13 finishing in under four hours — a remarkable performance given the notoriously challenging Boston course.
Among the standout athletes was Amin Mukaaty, also from Karachi, who emerged as the fastest Pakistani with a time of 2 hours and 48 minutes. Fellow runner Abdul Rehman followed closely with a time of 2 hours and 51 minutes. Female athlete Sarah Lodhi also made headlines by completing the marathon in 3 hours and 24 minutes, one of the fastest times recorded by a Pakistani woman at the event.
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One of the proudest moments for Pakistan came as six runners earned the elite “Six Star Finisher” title — an accolade awarded to those who complete all six major world marathons. The honorees were Danish Elahi, Adnan Gandhi, Hira Dewan, Jamal Khan, Yusra Bokhari, and Nizar Nayani. Additionally, US-based Pakistani Dr. Salman Khan completed his fifth Boston Marathon, having already achieved Six Star status in previous years.