Pakistan marathon runners Zeeshan Rab (left) and Hina Shaukat. — Reporter
A powerful contingent of greater than 17 runners of Pakistani origin will line up initially of the Berlin Marathon on September 21, bringing each home-based and diaspora illustration to one of many world’s most prestigious highway races.
Among the many individuals, Denmark-based runner Zeeshan Rab stands out for his exceptional endurance journey. Having first raced in Berlin years in the past, Zeeshan describes town as “always very special,” noting it was the course of his debut and the positioning of a number of of his private bests.
“Berlin Marathon is always a fast track. It was my first marathon, so it was always very special for me. I have always set PBs on this track,” Zeeshan stated. “This is my 5th Berlin. I’m hoping for another PB this year, but the weather conditions are not favourable. Hopefully that can change.”
Rab, who accomplished the Flensburg Marathon on September 7 as a tune-up, has set a goal of ending between 3 hours 50 minutes and three hours 59 minutes, although he admits that situations may push him into the 4:10 to 4:15 vary.
His bigger mission is to succeed in 50 marathons earlier than turning 50, with Berlin shifting him nearer to that milestone. “After Berlin, I hope to complete another nine races to reach my 50th before June 26,” he stated.
Hina Shaukat, a Karachi-based runner, may also characterize Pakistan within the Berlin marathon. She is without doubt one of the few girls within the squad.
For her, Berlin is about greater than timing. “My biggest goal for Berlin is to finish strong, injury-free, and to truly enjoy every step of the race,” Hina stated. “I don’t want to be looking at my watch, wondering ‘when will this end?’ Instead, I want to cross the finish line thinking, ‘I can’t wait to do this again.’”
She educated for 12 weeks in Karachi’s sweltering summer time, usually starting her lengthy runs at 5 am to beat the warmth. “The biggest challenge has been the extreme humidity. Looking back, it’s been less about perfect workouts and more about building resilience, and I hope that shows up on race day in Berlin,” she stated.
First held in 1974, the Berlin Marathon has grown into one of many Abbott World Marathon Majors, alongside Boston, London, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, and Sydney. Often called one of many quickest marathon programs on the planet, it has been the positioning of quite a few world data, together with Eliud Kipchoge’s beautiful 2:01:09 run in 2022.
The enduring 42.195 km route begins and ends close to the Brandenburg Gate, taking runners by way of the historic streets of Berlin, previous landmarks such because the Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, and Victory Column. With its flat terrain, enthusiastic crowds, and scenic backdrop, Berlin stays a favorite for runners aiming for private bests.
The 2025 version is anticipated to draw over 45,000 runners from greater than 150 international locations, making it not only a race however a celebration of worldwide unity by way of sport.
The total Pakistani lineup options a mixture of runners based mostly in Karachi, the USA, the UK, Denmark, and Germany. A testomony to the worldwide footprint of the nation’s operating group.
With numerous private objectives from chasing private bests to easily having fun with the environment, greater than 17 Pakistani runners will carry the nation’s colours by way of Berlin’s iconic streets, showcasing each endurance and spirit on the world stage.
Individuals at Berlin Marathon 2025:
Pakistan
Kaukab Sarwar (Karachi)Hina Shaukat (Karachi)Mustafa Jafar (Karachi)Adeel Sardar (Karachi)Kamran Lakhany (Karachi)
USA
Qamar ZiaAmy RazaRamiza HaqShahnawaz MalikYusra Bokhari
UK
Semeena KhanZawar KhanNazakat AliNadeem Iqbal
Denmark
Germany
Zahra CurrimbhoyMuhammad Hassan
