Pakistani athletes from across the globe delivered commendable performances at the Chicago Marathon, one of the world’s most prestigious long-distance running events, with Texas-based Nizar Niani emerging as a standout among the men and New York-based Bushra Anjum leading the Pakistani women’s contingent.
Niani Narrowly Misses Sub-Three-Hour Target
Niani completed the grueling 26.2-mile course in 3 hours and 45 seconds, falling just 46 seconds short of his personal goal of finishing under three hours. He covered the opening 10 kilometres in 40 minutes and 22 seconds and reached the half-marathon mark in 1 hour, 25 minutes and 41 seconds, but a slowdown in the second half of the race prevented him from achieving his target.
Reflecting on his performance, Niani said the Chicago Marathon holds a special place in his heart and that he intends to continue participating as long as he remains fit and God wills it. Although conditions were not ideal this year, he described the 26.2-mile challenge as a demanding test of human courage and endurance.
Anjum Leads Pakistani Women
Bushra Anjum was the fastest Pakistani woman on the course, crossing the finish line in 3 hours, 31 minutes and 1 second. She reached the halfway point in 1 hour, 41 minutes and 34 seconds but experienced a drop in pace during the latter stages of the race.
Strong Showing Across the Board
Mustafa, a runner from Karachi, finished in 3 hours, 29 minutes and 18 seconds. Abubakar Muhammad Afzal followed closely with a time of 3 hours, 32 minutes and 39 seconds, while Pakistani-American Babar Ghias recorded 3 hours, 42 minutes and 44 seconds.
Ibrahim Abdul Khaliq, based in Riyadh, completed the race in 3 hours, 44 minutes and 1 second. Hamid Butt, a 67-year-old runner from Lahore, crossed the finish line in 3 hours, 49 minutes and 48 seconds. Butt is a two-time Six Star Finisher, a distinction awarded to runners who complete all six original World Marathon Majors.
- Taimoor Malik: 4 hours, 5 minutes and 34 seconds
- Hassan Ali (British-Pakistani): 4 hours, 14 minutes and 55 seconds
- Basil Khan: 4 hours, 16 minutes and 56 seconds
- Sara Rathore: 4 hours, 22 minutes and 6 seconds
- Imad Sheikh: 4 hours, 38 minutes and 9 seconds
- Warda Mir (British-Pakistani): 5 hours, 3 minutes and 55 seconds
- Ghassan Tayyab: 5 hours, 12 minutes and 21 seconds
- Zara Ordonez: 5 hours, 16 minutes and 36 seconds
- Hassan Saleem: 5 hours, 17 minutes and 5 seconds
- Daniyal Amir Lakdawala: 5 hours, 18 minutes and 6 seconds
- Anees Kasmani (Karachi): 5 hours and 25 minutes
- Hammad Ali (British-Pakistani): 5 hours, 29 minutes and 5 seconds
- Ahmed Zubair: 5 hours, 32 minutes and 8 seconds
- Ayesha Intisar (Karachi): 5 hours, 35 minutes and 14 seconds
Former British Diplomat Runs for Education
Former British diplomat Mike Nithavrianakis, who previously served in Pakistan, also participated in the marathon, finishing in 3 hours, 18 minutes and 4 seconds. He ran to raise funds for The Citizens Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving access to education in Pakistan.
Elite Competition Highlights
The Chicago Marathon, a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, attracted more than 55,000 runners this year. The 42.195-kilometre course wound through 29 Chicago neighbourhoods, starting and finishing at Grant Park.
In the men’s elite race, Kenya’s Amos Kipruto claimed the title in 2 hours, 1 minute and 9 seconds. Ethiopia’s Tadese Bekele finished second in 2 hours, 2 minutes and 56 seconds, while compatriot Milkesa Mengesha took third place in 2 hours, 3 minutes and 46 seconds.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa successfully defended her title, finishing in 2 hours, 13 minutes and 33 seconds. Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi secured second place in 2 hours, 14 minutes and 7 seconds, followed by compatriot Brigid Kosgei in 2 hours, 14 minutes and 55 seconds.
The women’s elite race also made history, with three athletes finishing in under 2 hours and 15 minutes, underscoring the exceptional standard of competition at this year’s event.
The performances of Pakistani runners from the United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom highlighted the international community’s growing presence at one of the world’s most prestigious long-distance running events.
