Karachi-based runner and coach Faisal Shafi pledges to make use of Sydney race as a platform to pay tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and martyrs. — Reporter
KARACHI: The Sydney Marathon, scheduled for August 31, is about to develop into the world’s seventh Abbott World Marathon Main — and Pakistani runners will mark the event with historic milestones of their very own.
A number of Pakistanis, together with Pakistani diaspora, will full their seventh Abbott star in Sydney, incomes a spot among the many world’s elite beginner marathoners.
The Abbott World Marathon Majors are thought of the head of distance operating, consisting of probably the most prestigious marathons on this planet.
Till now, the sequence included six races — Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York Metropolis, and Tokyo. With Sydney formally added in 2025, it turns into the seventh race within the sequence.
Runners who full all of them earn the uncommon “Seven Star Medal”, a distinction held by solely a handful of athletes globally.
Amongst these chasing this honour is Karachi-based runner and coach Faisal Shafi, who has pledged to make use of the Sydney race not solely as a private milestone but in addition as a platform to pay tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and martyrs in a singular method.
Shafi will try a Guinness World File for the quickest marathon run in a light-weight military-inspired swimsuit.
“I’ve been blessed to run marathons across the world, but Sydney 2025 is different. This time I run with a mission: to honour the Pakistan armed forces — and especially the martyred soldiers whose sacrifices protect our nation’s honor and freedom,” Shafi stated.
The Guinness class report presently stands at 3 hours, 39 minutes. Shafi stated the swimsuit he’ll put on is “not an official army uniform” however a light-weight design created to resist the marathon distance whereas symbolically representing the braveness of Pakistani troopers.
“I’ll be wearing a light military-inspired running suit. It is not an official army uniform. It’s designed for endurance, as a mark of respect — a symbolic way of carrying their courage on my shoulders. It’s a tribute, not imitation,” he defined.
“Every mile I run will honor their memory. This record attempt is bigger than me. It’s a message to the running community that marathons can carry meaning — they can be a platform to honor heritage, sacrifice and bring people together,” he stated.
Shafi, who beforehand ran the Boston Marathon in conventional shalwar kameez to rejoice Pakistani tradition, stated finishing the Sydney race and incomes his seventh star is a “heartfelt tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces”.
“Incomes my seventh Abbott Star carries a deeper which means — it isn’t only a private milestone, however a heartfelt tribute. By trying to enter the report books as a civilian, I really feel actually honoured to characterize my nation on the world stage,” he stated.
Islamabad-based runner Bilal Ehsan, who can be operating his sixth main in Sydney, stated the occasion carries particular significance for Pakistan’s operating neighborhood.
Islamabad-based runner Bilal Ehsan. — Reporter
“Excited to be in Sydney for what will soon be the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major. This will be my 6th Major, and I can already feel the energy — running through this beautiful city, battling the hills, and soaking it all in,” Ehsan stated.
“What makes it even more special is being here with my family and several fellow Pakistanis. No PB pressure this time — the goal is simple: live the moment, enjoy the course, and celebrate the journey. Sydney, let’s do this!”
Karachi businessman and marathoner Bacha Khan, 55, will run his third main in Sydney after months of rigorous coaching.
“Despite my business commitments, I dedicated time to fitness and followed a disciplined training plan throughout the year, especially in the last three months,” Khan stated. “My aim is not just to finish the race but to beat my personal best. Each marathon is a new challenge for me, and Sydney is no different. I am eager to prove the effort and commitment I have put into this preparation on the streets of Sydney.”
The Pakistani contingent in Sydney will characteristic over 30 runners, together with eight girls.
Seven runners — Dr Salman Khan (USA), Jamal Khan (USA), Huma Rahman (UK), Fahd Mukhtar (Multan), Faisal Shafi (Karachi), Hamid Butt (Lahore) and Yusra Bokhari (USA) — are set to develop into the primary Pakistanis to finish all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, securing their place in historical past as “Seven Star Finishers”.
The Sydney Marathon, based in 2001, has rapidly risen in international prominence.
Its scenic course takes runners throughout the enduring Sydney Harbour Bridge, by way of the town’s central enterprise district and historic precincts, and finishes on the world-renowned Sydney Opera Home.
With Sydney’s addition, the World Marathon Majors now span 4 continents and convey a brand new hemisphere into the fold, highlighting the actually international attraction of distance operating.
For Pakistani runners, Sydney won’t simply be one other race — it is going to be a landmark occasion that mixes private triumphs, nationwide pleasure, and international recognition.
From Shafi’s report try and the historic completion of Abbott stars, the inexperienced and white of Pakistan can be represented on the highest stage of the game.
Pakistani individuals at Sydney Marathon (August 31, 2025):
Dr Salman Khan (USA)Jamal Khan (USA)Abu-Bakr Mohammad Afzal (UK)Shazia Nawaz (USA) FSijal Ahmad (Sydney)Khoula Ahmed (Norway) FFasih Al Saleh (Norway)Semeena Khan (UK) FHuma Rahman (UK) FFahd Mukhtar (Multan)Anees Khawaja (Multan)Faisal Shafi (Karachi)Hamid Butt (Lahore)Muhammad Junaid (Karachi)Bilal Ehsan (Islamabad)Yawar Siddiqui (Islamabad)Nida Yawar (Islamabad) FImran Zaffar (UK)Yusra Bokhari, (USA) FAmmar Mumtaz (Islamabad)Bacha Khan (Karachi)Dr. Ahmad Zubair (UK)Ahmer Khan (Austria)Aylia Zaidi (USA) FAli Zaidi (Australia)Ammar Zia (UK)Neelab Kayani (Rawalpindi) FAsad Jafri (Sydney)Hamad Ali (UK)Zawar (UK)Maeen Uddin (UAE)
