Pakistani runners Eye 7th Star at the Sydney Marathon

ahsan65@gmail.comAugust 28, 2025

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Pakistani runners Eye 7th Star at the Sydney Marathon

The runner and coach based in Karachi, Faisal Shafi (left) and the runner based in Islamabad, Bilal Ehsan. – Postpone

The Sydney marathon on August 31 is about to become the world’s seventh world marathon in the world, and Pakistani runners will mark the opportunity with historical milestones.

Several Pakistani, including the Pakistani diaspora, will finish their seventh Abbott star in Sydney, winning a place among the world’s elite amateur marathoners.

The majors of the World Marathon of Abbott are considered to be the ultimate in the distance race, made up of the most prestigious marathons in the world.

So far, the series included six races – Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York and Tokyo. With Sydney officially added in 2025, he became the seventh race of the series.

The runners who supplement all all win the rare “seven stars medal”, a distinction owned by only a handful of athletes in the world.

Among those who continue this honor, there is the runner and coach based in Karachi, Faisal Shafi, who is committed to using the Sydney race not only as a personal stage but also as a platform to pay tribute to the armed forces and the martyrs of Pakistan in a unique way.

Shafi will try a world record Guinness for the fastest marathon race in a light military inspiration costume.

“I had the chance to run marathons around the world, but Sydney 2025 is different. This time, I run with a mission: to honor the armed forces of Pakistan – and especially the martyr soldiers whose sacrifices protect the honor and freedom of our nation,” said Shafi.

The Guinness category record is currently 3 hours, 39 minutes. Shafi said that the costume he will wear is “not an official army uniform” but a light design created to resist the distance from the marathon while symbolically representing the courage of the Pakistani soldiers.

“I will wear a light military inspiration costume. It is not an official army uniform. It is designed for endurance, as a mark of respect-a symbolic way of carrying their courage on my shoulders. It is a tribute, not imitation,” he explained.

“Each kilometer that I direct will honor their memory. This attempted record is greater than me. It is a message to the running community that marathons can have a meaning-they can be a platform to honor heritage, sacrifice and bring people together,” he said.

Shafi, who previously ran the Boston marathon in the traditional Shalwar Kameez to celebrate the Pakistani culture, said that the completion of the Sydney race and winning its seventh star is a “sincere tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan”.

“Winning my 7th Star from Abbott has a deeper meaning-it’s not just a personal step, but a sincere tribute. Trying to enter records as a civilian, I really feel honored to represent my country on the world scene,” he said.

Islamabad -based runner Bilal Ehsan, who will lead his sixth major in Sydney, said the event has a particular meaning for the Pakistan management community.

“Excited to be in Sydney for what will soon be the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major. It will be my 6th major, and I can already feel the energy – cross this beautiful city, fight against the hills and soak everything,” said Ehsan.

“What makes him even more special is to be here with my family and several Pakistani colleagues. No PB pressure this time – the goal is simple: living the moment, enjoying the course and celebrating the trip. Sydney, let’s do it!”

Karachi’s businessman and marathonist, Bacha Khan, 55, will direct his third major in Sydney after months of rigorous training.

“Despite my commercial commitments, I spent time on physical condition and I followed a disciplined training plan throughout the year, especially in the past three months,” said Khan. “My goal is not only to finish the race, but to beat my best.

The Pakistani contingent in Sydney will include more than 30 runners, including eight women.

Seven runners – Dr. Salman Khan (United States), Jamal Khan (USA), Human Rahman (UK), Fahd Mukhtar (Multan), Faisal Shafi (Karachi) – are ready to become the first Pakistan in Yusra Bokhari.

The Sydney marathon, founded in 2001, quickly increased in global importance.

Its picturesque course takes the runners through the emblematic bridge of Sydney Harbor, through the Central Affairs district and the historic districts of the city, and ends at the world’s renowned Sydney Opera.

With the addition of Sydney, the majors of the world marathon now cover four continents and put a new hemisphere in the fold, highlighting the truly global attraction of distance racing.

For Pakistani runners, Sydney will not only be another race – it will be a historic event that combines personal triumphs, national pride and global recognition.

From Shafi’s record attempt to the historical completion of Abbott stars, green and white Pakistan will be represented at the highest stage in sport.

Pakistani participants in the Sydney marathon (August 31, 2025):