A group of 36 runners from Pakistan and the Pakistani diaspora will join nearly 50,000 athletes worldwide for the 2024 New York City Marathon on Sunday.
NYC Marathon: A Global Challenge
The New York City Marathon, part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, is renowned for its challenging course through New York’s five boroughs. It’s considered a “bucket-list” event for marathoners and offers Pakistani athletes a chance to proudly represent their country on a global stage.
Pakistani Runners Shine at Parade of Nations
Ahead of the race, participants celebrated in the Parade of Nations, a pre-race tradition where athletes from each country carry their flags. Pakistan’s delegation, led by renowned runner Shoaib Nizami, included a mix of seasoned marathoners and newcomers.
Among those representing Pakistan and the diaspora are Dr. Salman Khan, Prem Kumar, Jamal Khan, Babar Ghias, Muhammad Fasih ul Saleh, Shazia Nawaz, Yasir Suleman Memon, and many more, united in their goal to make their country proud.
Shoaib Nizami on Tackling NYC’s Challenging Course
Shoaib Nizami, one of Pakistan’s top runners, spoke with Geo News about the NYC Marathon’s unique challenges, noting its tough elevations. “The New York City Marathon is among the world’s major marathons and has the most challenging elevation. I’ve previously run Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo—all flat courses. I’m excited for this new experience,” he shared.
Nizami aims to achieve a new personal record, despite the rigorous course. He also highlighted his efforts to promote running in Pakistan, including launching the Karachi Marathon, which will soon be the country’s first world athletics label race and a qualifying event.
Kaukab Sarwar Chases Abbott World Major Stars
Kaukab Sarwar, another prominent runner and former international cyclist, is eager to earn her fourth Abbott World Major star at this event. “This will be a challenging course, but I’m thrilled to take it on,” she said. Completing the NYC Marathon will bring her closer to the prestigious Abbott Six-Star Medal.
Reflecting on the growth of Pakistan’s running culture, Sarwar expressed excitement over the increasing number of women in the sport. “Seeing more women participating is truly heartening—it means we’re building a strong running community,” she remarked.
A Test of Endurance and National Pride
The NYC Marathon, which starts on Staten Island and finishes in Central Park, is a test of endurance, strategy, and strength. For these Pakistani runners, it’s both a personal goal and a moment to elevate Pakistan’s presence on the global marathon stage.
On Sunday, they’ll race not just for themselves but to inspire others in Pakistan, hoping to leave their mark on one of the world’s most celebrated marathons.
