Pakistani Runners Shine at the 2025 Chicago Marathon

Runners from Pakistan showcased their talent at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, a prominent World Marathon Major. This year’s event saw over 53,000 participants.

The marathon attracted a diverse array of Pakistani athletes, including individuals from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, as well as expatriates and dual citizens residing in the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, and the Gulf region. They proudly represented Pakistan as they covered the 42.195-kilometer course through Chicago.

Key Performances

Syed Ali Hamza, a Pakistani-American based in Villanova, Pennsylvania, spearheaded the Pakistani group, completing the race in 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 14 seconds. He emerged as the top Pakistani finisher.

Following him were Salman Ilyas (2:56:39) and Nizar Nayani (2:57:43), both Pakistani-origin runners based in the USA.

Nayani expressed that representing Pakistan added significant emotional value to his accomplishment.

Nayani’s Quote

“Participating in a marathon is a personal challenge, but crossing the finish line while representing Pakistan elevates the experience,” he stated.

Performances from Pakistan-Based Runners

Faisal Shafi from Karachi, a leading marathoner in Pakistan, distinguished himself with a time of 3:18:52, making him the fastest Pakistan-based runner this year.

Shafi, an experienced athlete and seven-star finisher, mentioned he executed his race with a specific pacing strategy, achieving a personal goal.

Shafi’s Strategy

“I aimed to test my pacing in the latter part of the race,” Shafi explained. “I maintained my pace for the initial 20 to 25 kilometers and then accelerated. It was my most remarkable run, running the second half faster than the first, which is unusual in long-distance running. I take pride in this achievement.”

Dania Ali from Karachi also stood out, making her debut in a World Marathon Major in Chicago.

Training in Karachi, she achieved a personal best of 4:45:07, earning recognition from the local running community for her commitment.

Top Female Runners

Aisha Qamar, a U.S.-based runner from Brooklyn, was the quickest female Pakistani finisher, completing the marathon in 3:00:51.

She was followed by Maheen Suleman Sheikh from London (3:55:29), and Sana Malik from Karachi finished in 4:26:27, describing the Chicago crowd as unforgettable.

Malik’s Experience

“It was incredible,” Sana said. “The crowd was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. Chicago’s atmosphere was electric, a memory I will cherish forever. I’ll continue to train rigorously to return even stronger.”

Other Notable Performances

Several other Pakistan-based runners delivered praiseworthy performances, including Bilal Umar (3:39:29), Shah Faisal Khan (3:57:36), Safdar Ali (4:06:45), Yasir Suleman Memon (4:18:40), and Muhammad Tajdar Iqbal (4:21:08), all from Karachi.

Muhammad Yawar Siddiqui from Islamabad completed the race in 3:45:26, while Saood Hamid from Lahore finished in 5:20:05.

Pakistani expatriates also made their mark, with notable finishers like Osman Sarood (San Jose, 3:44:59), Atiq Ul Hassan (Franklin, 3:47:43), Abbas Naqvi (4:12:34), and Imran Zaffar (Harrow, UK, 4:37:31).

A highlight occurred when Prince Rahim Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, finished the marathon on his 54th birthday in 4:59:25, greeted by cheers and “Happy Birthday!” chants along the route.

Elite Category Results

In the elite category, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo won the men’s title in 2:02:23, followed by Kenya’s Amos Kipruto (2:03:54) and Alex Masai (2:04:37).

Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa Gejia secured the women’s race in 2:14:56, ahead of Megertu Alemu (2:17:18) and Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri (2:18:03).

This year’s Chicago Marathon celebrated the determination, unity, and strength of Pakistani runners worldwide, from Villanova to Karachi, London to Riyadh.

Their achievements highlighted not only personal victories but also Pakistan’s increasing prominence in the international marathon community.