The London Marathon 2025 witnessed a truly inspiring moment for Pakistan as a group of passionate runners left their mark on one of the world’s most prestigious racing stages. With over 56,000 participants from around the globe, it was the spirited Pakistani contingent that captured hearts and headlines with their grit, perseverance, and pride.
Leading the charge was Furqan Masood from Islamabad, who achieved a historic milestone by becoming the fastest Pakistani marathon runner this year. Crossing the finish line in an impressive 3 hours, 10 minutes, and 7 seconds, Masood showcased not just incredible speed, but also admirable endurance in the face of rising temperatures and race fatigue.
Starting off with a rapid 5K split of 20:44 and reaching the 10K mark at 42:09, Masood’s strategic pacing helped him sustain momentum throughout the challenging course. Despite the grueling conditions, he pushed through and proudly secured the 4,460th place overall — a feat that reflects his dedication and resilience.
After the race, Furqan Masood shared,
“Crossing the finish line at the London Marathon was a deeply humbling experience. We’re not professional athletes; we run to inspire others in Pakistan to embrace a healthier lifestyle and the joy of running.”
A Team Effort: Pakistanis Making Waves Globally
Close on Masood’s heels was Salman Ilyas, a Pakistani runner based in the USA, who completed the marathon with an admirable time of 3:18:33.
Following him were Muhammad Fasih Saleh from Norway (3:21:54) and Hamza Saleem (3:23:10), who also demonstrated tremendous stamina and spirit. Shah Syed finished closely behind Saleem, clocking in at 3:23:12.
Among the Pakistani women, Amy Mir from Norway delivered an exceptional performance. Completing her first-ever marathon in 3:52:00, Amy proved that heart and mental strength can overcome any physical barrier. Reflecting on her experience, she said:
“I hadn’t trained beyond 17K, but the electrifying energy of the crowd carried me through the race.”
A Historic Milestone for Pakistani Running
One of the most heartwarming stories of the event came from Hamid Butt, a veteran runner from Lahore. Butt made history by becoming the first Pakistani to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors twice, earning his second Six Star Medal with a solid time of 3:41:45.
Meanwhile, in another proud moment for Pakistani athletes, the Manchester Marathon also saw strong performances. Azmat Khan, based in the UAE, led the Pakistani contingent with a commendable time of 3:15:48.
Danish Raza from Karachi and his son Abrar Ahmed completed the Manchester race together in 4:55, showcasing how running can be a beautiful family experience.
Adding to the achievements, British Pakistani doctor Ahmed Zubair also finished Manchester’s challenging course in 6:37:52, highlighting the growing participation of the Pakistani diaspora in global races.
Global Winners at London Marathon 2025
While Pakistanis celebrated their own victories, the elite race results were equally thrilling.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe clinched the men’s title with a stunning time of 2:02:27, while Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa dominated the women’s race, finishing at an incredible 2:15:50.
The Future Looks Bright for Pakistani Runners
The remarkable achievements of Pakistani runners at the London Marathon 2025 are a testament to the rising passion for endurance sports within the Pakistani community. Their participation is not just about personal achievement — it’s about inspiring a healthier, stronger, and more active generation.
As more Pakistanis lace up their running shoes and take on marathons around the world, their stories will continue to motivate thousands back home to dream big, push limits, and realize that anything is possible with perseverance and belief.