SYDNEY: For 24 Pakistani and Pakistani-origin runners, Sunday’s Sydney Marathon means much more than covering 42.195 kilometres.
The runners have travelled from Pakistan and several other countries to take part in one of the world’s biggest marathon events.
They represent Karachi, Islamabad, Sydney and Adelaide. Others have travelled from the United States, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.
Sydney Marathon Joins World’s Biggest Races
The Sydney Marathon will take place on Sunday, August 30.
The event has grown into one of the world’s leading marathon races. It joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2025 as the seventh Major.
Cape Town joined the series in 2026, taking the total number of Major races to eight.
More than 40,000 runners from around the world are expected to take part in Sydney.
Among them will be 24 Pakistani and Pakistani-origin runners. The group includes 19 men and five women.
Runners Represent Pakistan and the Diaspora
Ten runners are travelling from Pakistan, while five are based in Australia.
The group also includes runners from the United States, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.
From Karachi, Khalid Sheikh, Dr Jahanzeb Mughal, Nosherwan Ali, Shoaib Nizami, Ali Kazi, Danish Elahi, Husnain Dharamsey, Yousuf Malik and Geo News Deputy Sports Editor Faizan Lakhani will run the marathon.
The women’s group includes Kaukab Sarwar, Dr Rabia Naeem, Mehwish Bilal, Hira Diwan and Syeda Maimoona Hamdani.
Other members include Ali Zaidi, Aamar Butt, Qamar Zia, Junaid Memon, Zain Alam, Naveed Hasan, Umer Rasheed, Tabish Mukhtar, Mir Shahzad and Dr Adnan Afzal.
Five members of the group are already Six Star finishers. Their experience adds strength to the growing Pakistani presence in international marathon running.
A Challenging Route Through Sydney
The Sydney Marathon offers runners a scenic route through the city.
The 42.195km race starts in North Sydney. Runners then cross the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The course passes through several well-known areas, including The Rocks, Circular Quay, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and Pyrmont.
It then moves towards Moore Park and Centennial Parklands.
Later, runners return towards the city. The route also passes through the Royal Botanic Garden and the area near Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.
The final kilometres lead runners towards the Sydney Opera House at Circular Quay.
However, the beautiful course also presents a challenge. Several uphill and downhill sections test runners, especially during the second half of the race.
Different Goals, One Shared Occasion
Each Pakistani runner has a different goal for Sunday.
Some hope to set a personal best. Others want to complete another World Marathon Major.
Some simply want to enjoy the experience and represent Pakistan on the course.
Danish Elahi, who is running his seventh marathon, plans to make his representation especially visible.
He will run in shalwar kameez to promote what he describes as a softer image of Pakistan.
“I am running in shalwar kameez tomorrow. I want to create a soft image for Pakistan and create awareness of my beloved country,” Elahi said.
“This is my seventh marathon, and I’m super excited for this. Sydney is a city to run in. Pakistan Zindabad!”
Husnain Dharamsey Focuses on the Finish Line
For Husnain Dharamsey, the main goal is to finish the race.
He has trained for several months with SVRC. He hopes to complete the marathon in around five to five-and-a-half hours.
However, he remains focused on reaching the finish line.
“I have been training hard for the last few months with SVRC, where Adnan Gandhi was very helpful,” Dharamsey said.
“I’ll try to complete it in five to five-and-a-half hours, but right now I’m just eyeing to finish.”
Mike Nithavrianakis Runs for TCF
Former British Deputy High Commissioner Mike Nithavrianakis will also take part in the Sydney Marathon.
Although he is not part of the Pakistani contingent, his participation has a strong connection with Pakistan.
Nithavrianakis is raising awareness and funds for The Citizens Foundation (TCF).
He aims to raise $1 million during 2026.
Sydney will be the third of six marathons he plans to run this year. He has already completed the London and Milan marathons.
He plans to run in Chicago and New York next. He will then complete his challenge at the Karachi Marathon.
An injury has affected his preparations. His immediate goal is to complete the Sydney course in under four hours.
However, his fundraising campaign remains his bigger priority.
A Proud Day for Pakistani Runners
The 24 runners arrive in Sydney with different motivations but a shared sense of purpose.
For some, Sunday is about setting a fast time. For others, it is about completing a personal challenge.
For everyone in the group, the Sydney Marathon offers a chance to take part in one of the world’s elite distance-running events.
Their presence also highlights the growing number of Pakistanis taking part in major international marathons.
For the runners, Sunday will be about more than the finish line. It will also be a day to represent Pakistan on one of the biggest stages in global distance running.
