The Berlin Marathon 2024 witnessed a remarkable performance from Pakistani long-distance runners, who made a significant impact on the grand stage of one of the world’s most prestigious marathons. More than 20 runners from Pakistan participated, showcasing their exceptional skills and unwavering endurance as they crossed the finish line with impressive flair.
Leading the Pakistani contingent were Dr. Salman Khan, Shah Faisal Khan, and Fawad Karim, who clocked in at 3:16:14, 3:29:40, and 3:32:41, respectively. The diverse group of athletes represented not just Pakistan, but also the diaspora, with several runners hailing from various countries, including Norway, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Among the Pakistani athletes were Jevi Majid, Bsherri Anjum, Shazia Nawaz, Khoula Ahmed, and Shahid Nawaz, demonstrating the global representation of Pakistani talent. Other notable participants included Ahmed Uzair, Misbah Ullah, Faisal Shafi, Abdul Haseeb, Ali Gondal, Fawad Qamar, Arif Ullah Khan, and Raees Ebrahim, highlighting the collective effort and dedication of Pakistani long-distance runners.
In total, the Pakistani athletes participating in the marathon were:
- Jevi Majid (Pakistan, Norway)
- Bsherri Anjum (Pakistan)
- Shazia Nawaz (Pakistan, United States)
- Khoula Ahmed (Pakistan, Norway)
- Shahid Nawaz (Pakistan)
- Ahmed Uzair (Pakistan)
- Shah Faisal Khan (Pakistan)
- Misbah Ullah (Pakistan)
- Faisal Shafi (Pakistan, Lahore)
- Abdul Haseeb (Pakistan)
- Ali Gondal (Pakistan)
- Fawad Karim (Pakistan, United Kingdom)
- Arif Ullah Khan (Pakistan)
- Raees Ebrahim (Pakistan, United States)
- Muhammad Fasih Saleh (Pakistan, Norway)
- Fawad Qamar (Pakistan)
- Babar Ghias (Pakistan, United States)
- Atiq Ul Hasan (Pakistan, United States)
- Jehanzeb Mughal (Pakistan, United Kingdom)
- Mohammad Afzal (Pakistan)
- Zeeshan Rab (Pakistan, Denmark)
- Salman Khan (Pakistan, United States)
- Sana Fatima (Pakistan, Australia)
The marathon not only served as a platform for Pakistani athletes to shine but also allowed them to connect with other runners from around the world, fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Meanwhile, the Ethiopian athletes dominated the Berlin Marathon, with Milkesa Mengesha winning the men’s race and Tigist Ketema securing victory in the women’s event. Mengesha, aged 24, achieved a personal best time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 17 seconds, finishing ahead of Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut (2:03:22) and fellow Ethiopian Haymanot Alew. The final kilometer of the race was an exhilarating duel between Mengesha and Kotut, but Mengesha accelerated in the closing stretch, crossing the finish line a mere five seconds ahead.
In the women’s competition, Ethiopia’s Ketema clinched the victory with a time of 2:16:42, finishing over two minutes ahead of her compatriots Mestawut Fikir and Bosena Mulatie. Ketema built a commanding lead during the first half of the race and recorded the third-fastest time ever achieved in the event, albeit five minutes slower than Tigst Assefa’s world-record performance of 2:11:53 set last year.
The Berlin Marathon took place just over a month after the Paris Olympics, leading to the absence of several notable athletes. However, the event still attracted a strong field of competitors and showcased the extraordinary talent of both the elite and emerging runners from around the globe.
The performance of Pakistani athletes in the Berlin Marathon 2024 marks a significant milestone in the country’s long-distance running scene, encouraging more athletes to pursue their passion and compete on the international stage. The event not only highlighted their endurance but also served as a reminder of the potential that lies within the nation’s athletic community.
