Pakistani Runners Set Record at Boston Marathon in Shalwar Kameez

Faisal Shafi and Danish Elahi, two runners from Pakistan, achieved a remarkable feat at the Boston Marathon, one of the world’s oldest races. They established a unique world record by completing the marathon in the fastest recorded time while dressed in traditional shalwar kameez.

The Karachi-based athletes concluded the marathon in just three hours and 26 minutes. This marks the first instance of any runner completing the 26.2-mile course in under four hours while wearing the customary national attire of Pakistan.

Shafi and Elahi, who began and concluded the race in unison, expressed that their accomplishment served as an homage to their homeland.

In an exclusive interview, Elahi stated, “This record is dedicated to Pakistan. Establishing a record in a prestigious race like the Boston Marathon is truly an unforgettable experience.”
Shafi added, “Our intention was to project a positive image of Pakistan, and we look forward to celebrating this achievement upon our return.”

The Boston Marathon, inaugurated in 1897, remains one of the globe’s premier long-distance running events. The Pakistani duo’s distinctive attire and unified finish garnered significant attention, underscoring cultural pride in conjunction with their athletic prowess.

While major world marathons do not have an official category for traditional attire, the Guinness World Record acknowledges this as a world record. Their performance has been widely recognized as unprecedented. Fellow competitors acknowledged their achievement, celebrating the fusion of sportsmanship and national identity.

Upon their arrival back in Pakistan, Shafi and Elahi intend to host celebrations, sharing their achievement with supporters.