Event highlights strong participation from athletes across Pakistan and the global Pakistani diaspora
Pakistani runners from around the world delivered standout performances at the 2025 Chicago Marathon — one of the seven World Marathon Majors — which drew over 53,000 participants this year.
The event featured a dynamic group of Pakistani athletes, including runners from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, along with dual nationals and expatriates from the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, and the Gulf region. They proudly represented Pakistan on the 42.195-kilometre course through the streets of Chicago.
Leading the Pakistani contingent was Syed Ali Hamza, a Pakistani-American from Villanova, Pennsylvania, who finished the marathon in two hours, 55 minutes, and 14 seconds — the fastest among Pakistani runners. He was followed by USA-based runners Salman Ilyas (2:56:39) and Nizar Nayani (2:57:43).
Nayani said completing the race under Pakistan’s banner made his achievement even more meaningful. “Running a marathon is a personal challenge, but representing Pakistan at the finish line makes it truly special,” he said.
Among participants from Pakistan, top marathoner Faisal Shafi from Karachi stood out with a time of 3:18:52, earning him the title of the fastest Pakistan-based runner this year. A seasoned athlete and seven-star finisher, Shafi said he followed a specific pacing strategy and achieved a personal milestone. “I maintained my pace early and pushed harder later. This was my most memorable run because I ran the second half faster than the first — a rare feat in long-distance running,” he shared.
Another highlight was Karachi’s Dania Ali, who made her World Marathon Major debut in Chicago. Training on Karachi’s streets, she achieved a personal best of 4:45:07, a milestone that inspired the local running community.
Among women, Aisha Qamar from Brooklyn, USA, was the fastest female Pakistani finisher with a time of 3:00:51. London-based Maheen Suleman Sheikh clocked 3:55:29, while Karachi’s Sana Malik completed the race in 4:26:27. “Chicago’s crowd was incredible,” Sana said. “It was an unforgettable experience, and I’m motivated to perform even better next time.”
Other Pakistani participants also delivered strong performances, including Bilal Umar (3:39:29), Shah Faisal Khan (3:57:36), Safdar Ali (4:06:45), Yasir Suleman Memon (4:18:40), and Muhammad Tajdar Iqbal (4:21:08) from Karachi. Islamabad’s Muhammad Yawar Siddiqui (3:45:26) and Lahore’s Saood Hamid (5:20:05) also finished impressively.
Pakistani expatriates also made their mark. Notable finishers included Osman Sarood (San Jose, 3:44:59), Atiq Ul Hassan (Franklin, 3:47:43), Abbas Naqvi (4:12:34), and British-Pakistani runner Imran Zaffar (4:37:31).
A memorable moment came when Prince Rahim Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, completed the marathon on his 54th birthday in 4:59:25, receiving cheers of “Happy Birthday!” from supporters along the route.
In the elite races, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo won the men’s title in 2:02:23, followed by Kenya’s Amos Kipruto (2:03:54) and Alex Masai (2:04:37). Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa Gejia claimed the women’s crown in 2:14:56, ahead of compatriot Megertu Alemu (2:17:18) and Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri (2:18:03).
From Villanova to Karachi and London to Riyadh, the 2025 Chicago Marathon highlighted the unity, endurance, and spirit of Pakistani runners worldwide. Their outstanding performances underscored Pakistan’s growing presence in international marathon running and inspired a new generation of athletes.
Chicago Marathon 2025: Pakistani Finishers Under 6 Hours
Syed Ali Hamza (USA/Villanova) – 2:55:14 Salman Ilyas (USA/Sammamish) – 2:56:39 Nizar Nayani (USA/Tomball) – 2:57:43 Irtaza Haider (PAK/Evanston) – 3:00:50 Aisha Qamar (USA/Brooklyn) – 3:00:51 Faisal Shafi (PAK/Karachi) – 3:18:52 Muhammad Shah (PAK/Cincinnati) – 3:23:12 Bilal Umar (PAK/Karachi) – 3:39:29 Khoula Ahmed (NOR) – 3:40:21 Osman Sarood (USA/San Jose) – 3:44:59 Muhammad Yawar Siddiqui (PAK/Islamabad) – 3:45:26 Atiq Ul Hassan (USA/Franklin) – 3:47:43 Maheen Suleman Sheikh (UK/London) – 3:55:29 Shah Faisal Khan (PAK/Karachi) – 3:57:36 Basil Khan (PAK/Chicago) – 4:02:17 Safdar Ali (PAK/Karachi) – 4:06:45 Babar Ghias (USA/Chicago) – 4:11:41 Abbas Naqvi (USA/Islamabad) – 4:12:34 Adnan Afzal (USA/Spring) – 4:14:42 Saba Lodhi (PAK/Wenatchee) – 4:17:00 Yasir Suleman Memon (PAK/Karachi) – 4:18:40 Muhammad Umer Shafiq (USA/Islamabad) – 4:20:24 Muhammad Tajdar Iqbal (PAK/Karachi) – 4:21:08 Sana Malik (PAK/Karachi) – 4:26:27 Khalid Sarfaraz (PAK/Abu Dhabi) – 4:36:46 Imran Zaffar (UK/Harrow) – 4:37:31 Ghassan Tayyab (PAK/Naperville) – 4:42:45 Dania Ali (PAK/Karachi) – 4:45:07 Syed Ahsan Ejaz (PAK/Karachi) – 4:45:50 Raja Arif Ullah Khan (PAK/Riyadh) – 4:49:56 Muhammad Rizwan Khawaja (USA/Scottsdale) – 5:12:19 Faraz Siddiqui (PAK/Weehawken) – 5:19:56 Shazia Nawaz (UAE/Lahore) – 5:20:05 Saood Hamid (PAK/Lahore) – 5:20:05 Usman Rao (USA/Karachi) – 5:16:16 Fawaz Qamar (PAK/Gujranwala) – 5:31:48 Ahmed Khan (PAK/Bristol) – 5:47:47 Muhammad Yousuf (PAK/Karachi) – 5:58:19 Syeda Maimoona Hamdani (PAK/Karachi) – 5:58:31
