ISLAMABAD: Over two dozen runners of Pakistani origin — both from Pakistan and the diaspora — successfully completed the 2025 Berlin Marathon on Sunday, defying hot and humid conditions. Karachi’s Mustafa Jafar led the Pakistan-based contingent, finishing the race in 3 hours, 36 minutes, and 21 seconds.
Renowned for its flat, fast course, the Berlin Marathon this year took place under unusually warm late-summer conditions, posing a challenge for elite and amateur runners alike.
Jafar’s performance stood out despite struggling with cramps during the final kilometres. “The weather made everyone go slower than they had in mind,” he said. “I was about 15–16 minutes slower than my target, but I am happy and satisfied with my performance.”
He was followed closely by Adeel Sardar, who completed the course in 3:44:50. Among the women from Pakistan, Kaukab Sarwar was the fastest, finishing in 4:03:26. “It wasn’t easy, but I am proud to have completed another marathon medal,” she said.
Other finishers
Other Pakistan-based finishers included Muhammad Hassan (4:22:07), Kamran Lakhany (4:31:21), Hayyaan Ahmad (4:42:37), Hina Shaukat (5:12:20), Saba Khan (5:30:39), Nabila Khaliq (5:39:38), Makiyya Khan (5:55:45), Muhammad Husnain Ashfaq (6:09:58), and Syeda Maimoona Hamdani (6:21:37).
Among overseas Pakistanis, Denmark-based Zeeshan Rab achieved a personal milestone, completing his 41st marathon — and 18th this year — in 4:04:57. “I was seven minutes off my personal best, so I’m absolutely happy,” Rab said. “Berlin is still the place for the fastest times, but the heat was tough. I’ll now focus on Malmö and Lubeck marathons in the coming weeks.”
The fastest Pakistani overall was Shahzada Hussain, based in the UK, who clocked 3:23:37. He was followed by fellow Londoner Hassan Raza, who ran a personal best of 3:31:01. “The weather commanded respect,” Raza said. “But I surprised myself. I feel proud to achieve this for my family and Pakistanis around the world.”
Historic experience
Over 55,000 runners from around the world took part in the event, including celebrities like singer Harry Styles and former footballers André Schürrle and Felix Kroos.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe won the men’s elite race in 2:02:16, while Rosemary Wanjiru took the women’s title in 2:21:05. The race, starting and ending at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, once again offered a memorable and historic experience — with Pakistani runners proudly making their presence felt on the global stage.
