Karachi Runners Aim for Guinness Record at Boston Marathon in Shalwar Kameez

As the 129th Boston Marathon approaches on April 21st, featuring a massive gathering of runners, a team of 18 Pakistani athletes, both residing in Pakistan and abroad, is preparing to achieve a remarkable feat.

Among them, Danish Elahi and Faisal Shafi, two runners from Karachi, will be attempting to secure a Guinness World Record for completing a marathon in the traditional Pakistani attire, Shalwar Qameez. Their goal is to finish the race in under four hours on what is known as one of the world’s most demanding courses.

While Danish and Faisal focus on a world record, five additional runners, including Danish Elahi, will be achieving their Six Star Finisher status at Boston. This accomplishment places them within an exclusive group of athletes who have successfully completed all six Abbott World Marathon Majors: Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, and Tokyo.

Adnan Gandhi, Hira Diwan, Yusra Bokhari, Nizar Nayani, and Jamal Khan are among those set to conclude their sixth major world marathon this Monday.

The Boston Marathon, recognized as the world’s oldest annual marathon event, anticipates over 50,000 participants this year. Approximately one million spectators are expected to line the 26.2-mile route, stretching from Hopkinton to Boylston Street. This race is notorious for its challenging hills, notably the infamous Heartbreak Hill near the 20-mile mark, posing a significant test for even the most seasoned runners. For the Pakistani participants, the marathon signifies not only personal success but also a chance to display national pride and fortitude.

A World Record Attempt in National Dress

Danish Elahi and Faisal Shafi’s pursuit of a world record for the fastest marathon time in Shalwar Qameez has already garnered attention. Elahi explained that the concept arose from a desire to showcase Pakistan on a global scale.

“Faisal wanted me to run this final six-star marathon not only to achieve six-star status but also to mark an achievement for the record books as a Pakistani,” Elahi mentioned. “We will be representing Pakistan in Boston, among approximately 50,000 runners and over a million spectators, running in our national attire and colors. I want this to be something that people worldwide remember Pakistan for.”

Shafi, who originated the idea, highlighted the cultural importance: “The aim was to represent Pakistan and present a positive image of our culture on the international stage. It’s about more than just the world record; it’s about presenting a favorable view of Pakistan and our culture and securing Pakistan’s place in the world record books.”

The current unofficial best was achieved by Prakash Banisetty, based in Canada, in 2018. He attempted the feat but did not break the four-hour mark. Elahi and Shafi expressed confidence in their training, although they acknowledged the unique challenges of training in traditional clothing.

“We haven’t really practiced long runs in Shalwar Qameez during our preparation,” Shafi admitted, noting logistical difficulties in finalizing Guinness documentation. Elahi remained optimistic, stating, “Hopefully, it won’t be too challenging, and we’ll make it across the finish line.”

Six Stars and a Dream: Pakistani Runners Complete Their Marathon Majors Journey

For Danish Elahi, Adnan Gandhi, Hira Diwan, Yusra Bokhari, Nizar Nayani, and Jamal Khan, Boston signifies the culmination of years of hard work. Successfully completing all six World Marathon Majors is a rare achievement, with only about 17,000 runners worldwide holding the Six Star Finisher title.

Adnan Gandhi, a runner from Karachi, has been crucial in promoting marathon running within Pakistan. His journey to Boston was particularly challenging, coinciding with Ramadan.

“I was initially concerned about participating in Boston this year because it meant my toughest six weeks would require training during Ramadan,” he admitted. However, he found support from his running community. “My running companions trained with me almost every night. I ran nearly 400 kilometers in March, mostly with SVRC members,” he added.

Gandhi described the London Marathon 2022 as his most memorable race. “The entire marathon experience, from the expo to the race support, was exceptional.” Post-Boston, he aims to further develop Pakistan’s marathon scene, stating, “In a country as large as Pakistan, we should host three to five marathons annually.”

For Hira Diwan, one of only four Pakistani women running in Boston this year, the race represents the peak of a 14-year journey.

“This will be a very emotional finish for me,” she said. “The commitment to train for race after race while managing work, life, and now single motherhood, all adds up.”

Hira plans to enjoy the atmosphere during her run in the Boston Marathon instead of focusing on her time.

“I’m thrilled to participate in a race where I’m not focused on time but instead soaking in the atmosphere. Boston has a finish line saying, ‘Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston.’ I’m most looking forward to making that right turn and then left before reaching the Boston finish line,” she stated.

She mentioned that training for the Boston Marathon was difficult, especially during Ramadan. “Lots of hills! And many lonely early morning runs,” she recalled. Yet, her focus remains on inspiring more Pakistani women to take up running.

“I hope it inspires more women to get out there and start running,” she expressed. “It is sometimes challenging in our culture to explain why you run these long distances, and that challenge is even greater as a female runner.”

Despite these challenges, she sees progress: “With run clubs like SVRC, there is now a supportive environment where women can feel safer and more supported.”

Danish Elahi, also attempting a world record with Faisal Shafi, will be completing his sixth major marathon on Monday to earn the title of a Six Star Finisher.

“It means everything to me; it’s not just an accomplishment for me personally but a tribute to my family, especially my parents, wife, and kids, for their support throughout this journey. It represents Pakistan on a global platform and inspires our local running community and the younger generation to pursue similar goals in the future,” Danish said.

Of the 18 Pakistani runners in Boston, nine are based in the U.S., with others coming from the U.K., UAE, and Pakistan. Their participation highlights the international reach of Pakistan’s running community.

Dr. Salman Khan, a five-time Boston finisher, and Aamer Butt, a four-time participant, are among the most experienced. Meanwhile, Sadiq Shah, Ayaz Abdulla, Abdul Rehman, and Amin Mukaty are among the runners traveling directly from Pakistan, indicating the sport’s growing popularity back home.

For these athletes, Boston is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity to redefine perceptions of Pakistan.

“It gives me goosebumps,” Elahi shared. “It’s every athlete’s dream to represent their country on the global stage, wear the flag on their chest, and raise it high after finishing. It’s about showing the world Pakistan’s soft image and shifting their focus away from the negative aspects.”

As the runners tackle Heartbreak Hill and the final stretch onto Boylston Street, their efforts will reflect personal ambition and a shared desire for more Pakistanis to embrace marathon running and for the world to view their nation in a new, more positive light.

List of Pakistani runners, including Pakistan-based and diaspora participants:
  1. Dr. Salman Khan
  2. Aamer Butt
  3. Jamal Khan
  4. Nizar Nayani
  5. Hira Diwan (F)
  6. Salman Ilyas
  7. Yusra Bokhari (F)
  8. Sara Lodhi (F)
  9. Sadiq Shah
  10. Adnan Gandhi
  11. Ayaz Abdulla
  12. Danish Elahi
  13. Amin Mukaty
  14. Abdul Rehman
  15. Faisal Shafi
  16. Omer Malik
  17. Qamar Zia
  18. Dr. Ravia Bokhari (F)