Thirty-six Pakistani and Pakistani-origin runners are set to compete in the 2024 New York City Marathon on Sunday, joining nearly 50,000 participants from around the world. Known as one of the six prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, the NYC Marathon features a challenging, hilly course that spans all five boroughs of New York City and is a “bucket-list” event for marathon enthusiasts.
For these Pakistani athletes, the marathon is not just a physical challenge but also an opportunity to represent their nation on an international stage. Participants proudly showcased their national pride in the “Parade of Nations,” a pre-race tradition where athletes from each country carry their flags.
Leading the Pakistani contingent was Shoaib Nizami, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s running community, who carried the national flag during the parade. The roster includes both seasoned veterans and first-time runners, making it an inspiring group of representatives. The participants include Dr. Salman Khan, Prem Kumar, Jamal Khan, Babar Ghias, Muhammad Fasih ul Saleh, Atiq ul Hassan, Masud Mahdi, Shahid Nawaz, Shazia Nawaz, Khoula Ahmed, and many others.
In an interview with Geo News, Nizami expressed excitement about the challenge, saying, “The New York City Marathon is one of the world’s major marathons and the toughest in elevation. I’ve previously run Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo, all flat terrain, so this will be a unique experience.” He hopes to set a new personal record (PR) despite the rigorous course, emphasizing his focus on inspiring the running culture back in Pakistan.
Kaukab Sarwar, another athlete representing Pakistan who has also participated in international cycling events, will be aiming for her fourth Abbott World Major star at this event. “This is part of my six-star journey for Abbott World Majors. Crossing the finish line in New York will bring me closer to earning the Six-Star Medal,” she shared, expressing pride in seeing more Pakistani women embrace the sport.
For many of these runners, the NYC Marathon represents both a personal milestone and a chance to inspire the growing running community in Pakistan. As they tackle the 26.2-mile course from Staten Island to Central Park, they carry with them the hopes of inspiring athletic ambition back home and fostering a vibrant running culture across Pakistan.
