Pakistani runners who will take part in Tokyo Marathon 2025. — Reporter
KARACHI: A contingent of 23 Pakistani runners, together with 11 from cities throughout the nation and 12 abroad, will probably be collaborating in Tokyo Marathon 2024 — one of many six well-known races worldwide — on Sunday (tomorrow).
The occasion will see runners from across the globe compete on a course that weaves by Tokyo’s iconic landmarks, providing a mix of modernity and custom.
The Tokyo Marathon, established in 2007, has turn into an indicator of excellence within the international working group. Recognized for its meticulous organisation and enthusiastic spectator assist, the race begins on the Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing and passes by notable websites such because the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, and Asakusa earlier than concluding close to Tokyo Station.
The race isn’t just a take a look at of bodily endurance but in addition a cultural expertise, with spectators lining the streets to cheer on members with unmatched enthusiasm. The occasion’s emphasis on sustainability and group engagement has additional cemented its repute as a world-class marathon.
This 12 months’s Pakistani contingent consists of seasoned marathoners and first-time members, with 19 male and 4 feminine runners. Amongst them are Six Star Finishers — runners who’ve accomplished all six World Marathon Majors — similar to Hamid Butt from Lahore and Faisal Shafi from Karachi.
Pakistani runners who will take part in Tokyo Marathon 2025. — Reporter
Faisal Shafi, who’s working the Tokyo Marathon for the second time, stated, “I am running to raise funds for Special Olympics Pakistan for the Winter Special Olympics. I’m not eying any personal record; I’m running for our special athletes. Tokyo Marathon has always been my favorite, and I’m very impressed by Japanese culture and that’s why I’m running this race.”
Kaukab Sarwar, a Karachi-based runner collaborating in her fifth main marathon, shared her preparation journey: “My goal is to complete it sub-4. I trained really hard for this during the last 12 weeks, undergoing various running programs to prepare myself. Tokyo is a different kind of experience. The travel was long and has left me a bit tired, but I am still hoping for the best.”
Bilal Ehsan, an Islamabad-based runner, emphasised his concentrate on private achievement and cultural engagement. “I am aiming to have a good race and enjoy the culture of Tokyo. I’ve trained for almost 8 to 9 weeks, and my focus is on achieving my personal best,” he stated.
The participation of Pakistani runners within the Tokyo Marathon displays the rising reputation of long-distance working in Pakistan. Working communities in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have expanded lately, with extra people taking on the game for health and private problem.
The Pakistani contingent consists of runners based mostly in international locations similar to the US, Norway, the UK, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the worldwide attain of the diaspora. Among the many feminine members is Khoula Ahmed, a Norwegian-Pakistani runner, and Maheen Sheikh, based mostly within the UK.
Record of Pakistani members
Hamid Butt (Lahore) – third Tokyo | Six Star Finisher️ Faisal Shafi (Karachi) – 2nd Tokyo | Six Star Finisher️ Muhammad Junaid (Karachi) Kaukab Sarwar (Karachi) Hassan Madni (Karachi) Anis Kasmani (Karachi) Bilal Saeed (Karachi) Anees Khawaja (Multan) Bilal Ehsan (Islamabad) Ammar Mumtaz (Islamabad) Yawar Siddiqui (Islamabad) Khoula Ahmed (Norway) Saad Usmani (USA) Imran Zaffar (Singapore) Jamal Khan (USA) Maeen Ud Din (UAE) M Rizwan Khawaja (USA) Atiq ul Hassan (USA) Maheen Sheikh (UK) Salman Shafi Chaudhry (NYC) Imran Ahmed (Norway) Yusra Bokhari (USA) Shahnawaz Malik (USA)
