KEY POINTS
- Over 17 runners of Pakistani origin will represent the country and its diaspora.
- Veteran Denmark-based runner Zeeshan Rab is targeting a milestone of 50 marathons before turning 50.
- Karachi’s Hina Shaukat, one of the few female participants, seeks a strong and fulfilling finish.
- The Berlin Marathon is renowned for its fast course and historic setting, drawing over 45,000 runners from 150+ countries.
ISLAMABAD: More than 17 runners of Pakistani origin, representing both the homeland and diaspora communities in the US, UK, Denmark and Germany, will take part in the Berlin Marathon 2025 on Sunday, one of the world’s most prestigious long-distance races.
This prestigious race, part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, will see athletes from Pakistan, the US, UK, Denmark, and Germany hit the streets of Berlin, carrying national pride and personal ambition over the 42.195-kilometre course.
Zeeshan Rab Eyes 50 Marathons Before 50
Denmark-based runner Zeeshan Rab leads the pack with unmatched experience. Berlin will be his 41st career marathon and 18th just this year.
“Berlin is always very special,” said Rab, who has previously set multiple personal bests (PBs) on this fast course. “I’m hoping for another PB this year, but the weather conditions might make that tricky.”
Having recently run the Flensburg Marathon as preparation, Rab aims to finish between 3:50 to 3:59, though he’s prepared for a slightly slower result depending on conditions. His long-term goal? 50 marathons before turning 50 — a milestone he hopes to reach by June 2026, Insha’Allah.
Hina Shaukat Brings Grit and Grace from Karachi
Representing Pakistan’s women runners, Hina Shaukat from Karachi brings not just training but heart to the race.
“My goal is to finish strong, injury-free, and truly enjoy every step,” said Hina. “I want to cross the finish line thinking, ‘I can’t wait to do this again.’”
Training through Karachi’s humid summer, she began her long runs at 5 a.m. to beat the heat. “It’s been about resilience, not perfection. I hope that carries me through in Berlin.”
Berlin Marathon: Where Records Are Made
First held in 1974, the Berlin Marathon has become one of the world’s premier road races, attracting over 45,000 runners from 150+ countries.
With a flat, fast course that has seen multiple world records, including Eliud Kipchoge’s 2:01:09 in 2022, Berlin is a dream race for elite athletes and amateurs alike. The route winds through historic landmarks like the Reichstag, Victory Column, and Brandenburg Gate, blending athletic excellence with iconic scenery.
Pakistan’s Global Running Footprint
This year’s Pakistani contingent reflects the nation’s expanding footprint in the global running community. With runners coming from Karachi, the U.S., U.K., Denmark, and Germany, the team represents unity through sport, diverse backgrounds, and a shared passion for endurance.
Whether aiming for personal bests, milestone completions, or simply soaking in the world-class atmosphere, these athletes will proudly carry the Pakistani flag through Berlin’s iconic streets.
Pakistani Participants at Berlin Marathon 2025
Pakistan: Kaukab Sarwar (Karachi), Hina Shaukat (Karachi), Mustafa Jafar (Karachi), Adeel Sardar (Karachi), Kamran Lakhany (Karachi)
USA: Qamar Zia, Amy Raza, Ramiza Haq, Shahnawaz Malik, Yusra Bokhari
United Kingdom: Semeena Khan, Zawar Khan, Nazakat Ali, Nadeem Iqbal,
Denmark: Zeeshan Rab,
Germany: Zahra Currimbhoy, Muhammad Hassan
With determination in their strides and the green of Pakistan in their hearts, these runners are not just chasing finish lines, they’re making a statement: Pakistan runs with the world.
