KARACHI: US-based Nizar Nayani led Pakistani runners at the Chicago Marathon 2026, finishing the 42.195-kilometre race in 3 hours and 45 seconds.
Nayani, who lives in Tomball, Texas, narrowly missed the three-hour mark by 45 seconds. Runners from Pakistan and the Pakistani diaspora also took part in one of the world’s most prestigious marathon events.
Karachi-based Mustafa finished as the second-fastest Pakistani runner in 3:29:18. Meanwhile, Brooklyn-based Basherri Anjum led the identified Pakistani women, clocking 3:31:01 and ranking third among the Pakistani runners listed.
Abu-Bakr Mohammad Afzal followed in 3:32:39, while Pakistani-American Babar Ghias completed the race in 3:42:44.
Nayani Maintains Strong Pace Before Late Slowdown
Nayani’s split times showed a strong start. He completed the first 5km in 20:16 and reached the 10km mark in 40:22.
He crossed the halfway point in 1:25:41, putting him on pace for a finish comfortably under three hours. However, his speed dropped during the second half.
Nayani reached 30km in 2:03:49 and 40km in 2:50:24 before finishing in 3:00:45.
Speaking after the race, Nayani described Chicago as a special event, regardless of his result.
“Chicago Marathon is always very close to my heart, no matter the results, no matter the conditions. I will keep coming back as long as Allah allows me to, and if I’m in shape,” he said.
“Today was not ideal conditions, but this is what 26.2 miles does to you. It brings every single grit out of you,” he added.
Nayani also expressed pride in the Pakistani running community. He said he was glad to represent the Pakistani team and proud of his fellow runners.
Basherri Anjum Leads Pakistani Women
Anjum delivered a strong performance in the women’s field. She completed the first 5km in 23:49 and reached 10km in 47:35.
She crossed the halfway point in 1:41:34. However, her pace slowed in the latter stages, with her 30km split at 2:26:35 and 40km split at 3:19:43.
She eventually finished in 3:31:01, ahead of other Pakistani women whose results were available, including Sara Rathore, Zara Ordonez and British-Pakistani Wardah Mir.
Other Pakistani Runners’ Results
Several other runners representing Pakistan and the Pakistani diaspora completed the marathon.
Riyadh-based Ibrahim Abdul Khaliq finished in 3:44:01. Lahore’s Hamid Butt, a six-star finisher competing in the 65–69 age category, followed in 3:49:48.
Taimoor Malik recorded 4:05:34, while British-Pakistani Hassan Ali finished in 4:14:55. Austin-based Basil Khan completed the distance in 4:16:56.
Sara Rathore clocked 4:22:06, followed by Amaad Shaikh in 4:38:09.
British-Pakistani Wardah Mir finished in 5:03:55. Ghassan Tayyab followed in 5:12:21, while Zara Ordonez recorded 5:16:36. Hasan Saleem finished in 5:17:05, and Danyal Ameer Lakdawala crossed the line in 5:18:06.
Karachi-based Anis Kasmani completed the race in 5:25:00. British-Pakistani Hamad Ali recorded 5:29:05, while Ahmad Zubair finished in 5:32:08. Karachi’s Aisha Intesar clocked 5:35:14.
Former British diplomat to Pakistan Mike Nithavrianakis also participated, finishing in 3:18:04.
Nithavrianakis ran to raise funds for The Citizens Foundation (TCF), which supports education projects for underprivileged children in Pakistan.
Chicago Marathon Attracts More Than 55,000 Runners
The Chicago Marathon took place on Sunday, October 11. It is one of the eight Abbott World Marathon Majors and attracts runners seeking personal bests and qualification times for other major races.
This year’s event drew more than 55,000 participants. The 42.195km course passed through 29 Chicago neighbourhoods.
The race started and finished in Grant Park. Along the way, runners passed through downtown Chicago, northern neighbourhoods, western districts and southern sections of the city.
The course has produced several world records over the years and remains popular among elite athletes and recreational runners alike.
Elite Race Results
In the men’s elite race, Kenya’s Amos Kipruto claimed victory in 2:01:09. Ethiopia’s Tadese Bikila finished second in 2:02:56, while Kenya’s Milkesa Mengesha took third place in 2:03:46.
Kipruto set a personal best with his performance, moving him to joint fifth on the world all-time marathon list.
In the women’s elite race, Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa defended her Chicago Marathon title in 2:13:33.
Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi finished second in 2:14:07, while former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei secured third place in 2:14:55.
The race also marked a historic milestone, as three women finished under two hours and 15 minutes in the same marathon for the first time.
