Karachi: Two Pakistani runners, Faisal Shafi and Danish Elahi made history in the world’s oldest Boston Marathon by setting a unique world record: to complete the race in the fastest time wearing traditional shalwar camayz.
Both Karachi athletes finished the marathon in three hours and 26 minutes, the first time any runner completed the 26.2-mile race in less than four hours wearing a loose national dress of Pakistan.
Starting and ending the race together, Shafi and Elahi said that their achievement was a tribute to their country.
“This record is dedicated to everyone of Pakistan,” Ilahi told Geo News in a special interview. “It is really memorable to install a record in a historic race like Boston.”
Shafi said, “We did this to highlight Pakistan’s positive image, and we will celebrate this victory back home.”
The Boston Marathon, which was first held in 1897, is one of the most prestigious long distance events globally. The specific dress and synchronized Finnish of the Pakistani pair attracted attention, demonstrated cultural pride with athletic endurance.
There is no official category for traditional clothing in the world’s major marathon, although the Guinness World Record recognizes it as a world record.
The pair’s feat is widely recognized as unprecedented. Fellow runners appreciated their performance, which mixed sportsmanship with national identity.
On returning to Pakistan, the runners planned to organize a ceremony to share their milestones with supporters.
