Pakistani Runners Make History at Boston Marathon with Guinness World Record in Traditional Attire

Two Pakistani runners, Faisal Shafi and Danish Elahi, have made history at the 129th Boston Marathon by setting a Guinness World Record for completing the race in the fastest time ever recorded while wearing traditional shalwar kameez. 

Both athletes, hailing from Karachi, ran the 26.2-mile course in three hours and 26 minutes, becoming the first participants to finish the prestigious race in under four hours while wearing Pakistan’s national attire. Although there’s no official marathon category for traditional dress, the Guinness World Records has acknowledged their achievement. 

Elahi described the moment as unforgettable: “This record is dedicated to all of Pakistan,” he told media. 

“Setting a record in a historic race like Boston is truly memorable.” Shafi, who ran the race with Elahi from start to finish, added, “We did this to highlight Pakistan’s positive image, and we will celebrate this victory back home.” 

The Boston Marathon, dating back to 1897, is known not only as the world’s oldest annual marathon but also for its high level of international competition and cultural significance. 

Getting into the Boston Marathon isn’t easy. Runners have to meet strict qualifying times based on their age and gender. Only about 30,000 runners get selected each year. In 2025, the race included participants from 129 different countries, showing how truly global the event is. 

The race covers a distance of 26.2 miles (or 42 kilometers). It starts in a small town called Hopkinton and passes through several cities and towns before ending in downtown Boston. The finish line is on Boylston Street, right near the Boston Public Library. It’s a famous spot where thousands of people cheer on the runners. 

The course has some tough parts. One of the hardest is “Heartbreak Hill” near mile 20. It’s a steep climb that tests even the strongest runners. Every year, around half a million people come out to support the runners. From handing out water to shouting words of encouragement, the spectators play a huge role in creating the race’s electric atmosphere. 

The achievement went beyond just completing the marathon. Elahi also earned the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal, joining a small group of roughly 17,000 runners globally who have completed the six major marathons: Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London and Tokyo. 

Shafi had already secured his Six Star Finisher status earlier in 2024, having qualified for Boston with a 2:58:09 time at Berlin in 2023. While their attire drew attention for cultural reasons, it also posed practical challenges.  

They couldn’t train extensively in the shalwar kameez due to documentation requirements set by Guinness, adding a logistical layer to an already demanding feat. 

But Shafi and Elahi weren’t the only Pakistanis making their mark on the streets of Boston. A total of 18 Pakistani runners, both from within the country and across the diaspora, took part in this year’s marathon, showcasing the growing presence and passion of Pakistan’s running community on a world stage. 

Among them were several first-time Boston finishers, experienced marathoners, and six athletes. Talking to the reporters, Elahi said, “It’s every athlete’s dream to represent his country on the global stage, wear the flag on his chest, and fly it high once you finish. It’s about showing the world Pakistan’s soft image and taking their minds away from the negativities.”