Sydney: Pakistani and Pakistani-origin runners showcased remarkable endurance and skill at the Sydney Marathon, making a strong mark among international competitors.
Ali Zaidi, a Pakistani-Australian athlete, was the fastest Pakistani finisher with a time of 3 hours, 5 minutes, and 33 seconds. Bilal Ahsan from Islamabad was the quickest among Pakistani runners who traveled from Pakistan, completing the marathon in 3 hours, 15 minutes, and 3 seconds.
Fahad Mukhtar successfully completed his seventh World Marathon Major with a timing of 3 hours and 29 minutes. Karachi’s Bacha Hussain and Lahore’s Hamid Butt also delivered impressive performances.
Several runners, including Hamid Butt, Huma Rehman, Dr. Salman Khan, Jamal Khan, Yasra Bukhari, and Ziad Rahim, earned the prestigious 7-Star Finisher status, a recognition for completing seven major marathon events worldwide.
In a unique tribute, Faisal Shafi from Karachi ran the marathon wearing military attire, finishing in 3 hours and 40 minutes, joining the elite group of 7-Star finishers.
A total of 36 Pakistani and overseas Pakistani runners took part in the Sydney Marathon. Notably, 16 runners completed the full 42.195-kilometer race in under four hours, showcasing excellent endurance and fitness.
Ten Pakistani women participated in the marathon. British-Pakistani runner Huma Rehman finished in 3 hours and 38 minutes, Norway-based Khawla Anis completed the race in 3 hours and 52 minutes, and Samina Khan finished in 4 hours, 10 minutes, and 7 seconds. Neelab Kayani from Rawalpindi also made a strong finish with a time of 4 hours, 10 minutes, and 28 seconds.
Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros won the men’s race, while the women’s category was claimed by the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan, with both setting new course records in Sydney’s debut as a World Marathon Major event.
