Pakistani Runners Excel at NYC Marathon 2024

On November 4, 2024, the vibrant streets of New York City witnessed an extraordinary display of endurance and spirit as Pakistani runners made their mark at the 2024 New York City Marathon. This prestigious event, known for its challenging course and diverse participants, saw a remarkable achievement with 12 Pakistani runners finishing the race in under four hours. This accomplishment not only highlights the growing popularity of marathon running in Pakistan but also showcases the dedication and hard work of these athletes.

Danish Elahi led the pack, emerging as the fastest Pakistani runner with an impressive finish time of three hours, 26 minutes, and 50 seconds. His performance set a high standard for his fellow competitors. Rufi Shehzada followed closely behind, completing the marathon in three hours, 32 minutes, and 22 seconds. Another notable performance came from Pakistani-American Babar Ghias, who finished with a time of three hours, 38 minutes, and 53 seconds. Other runners who also finished under the four-hour mark included Ammar Mumtaz, Prem Kumar, and Rehman Azhar, all of whom contributed to this remarkable achievement.

Among the female participants, Khoula Ahmed, a Norwegian-Pakistani runner, stood out as the fastest woman from Pakistan, finishing the race in three hours, 43 minutes, and 2 seconds. She was closely followed by Maheen Sheikh and Kaukab Sarwar, who rounded out the top three Pakistani women in the marathon. Their performances not only reflect their personal dedication but also inspire many aspiring female athletes in Pakistan.

This year’s marathon featured a total of 36 Pakistani runners, including both local and overseas nationals. The diverse contingent comprised Pakistani-Americans and expats from various countries, including Norway, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia. Their participation underscores the global reach of the Pakistani community and the shared passion for running.

In the elite categories, the competition was fierce. Dutch runner Abdi Nageeye claimed first place in the men’s elite category, finishing the marathon in two hours, seven minutes, and 39 seconds. He was followed by Kenya’s Evans Chebet and Albert Korir, who secured second and third places, respectively. In the women’s elite field, Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui led the way with a remarkable time of two hours, 24 minutes, and 35 seconds, followed by her compatriots Hellen Obiri and Vivian Cheruiyot.

The NYC Marathon is not just a race; it is a celebration of resilience, community, and the human spirit. The impressive performances of Pakistani runners this year serve as a testament to their hard work and determination. As more athletes from Pakistan take to the global stage, it is clear that the future of marathon running in the country is bright. This event not only fosters a sense of pride among the participants but also encourages others to pursue their athletic dreams, proving that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.