CHICAGO, 13 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistani runners from across the world delivered impressive performances at the Chicago Marathon in the United States, with Texas-based Nizar Niani among the standout participants, finishing the 26.2-mile race in 3 hours and 45 seconds. Niani narrowly missed his target of completing the marathon in under three hours by just 46 seconds. He covered the first 10 kilometres in 40 minutes and 22 seconds and reached the half-marathon mark in 1 hour, 25 minutes and 41 seconds, but a slower second half prevented him from achieving his goal. Reflecting on the event, Niani said the Chicago Marathon held a special place in his heart and that he hoped to continue participating as long as he remained fit and God willing. Despite less-than-ideal conditions, he described the marathon as a demanding test of courage and endurance. Mustafa of Karachi finished in 3 hours, 29 minutes and 18 seconds, while New York-based Bushra Anjum was the leading Pakistani woman, completing the race in 3 hours, 31 minutes and 1 second. Other notable Pakistani finishers included Abubakar Muhammad Afzal in 3 hours, 32 minutes and 39 seconds; Pakistani-American Babar Ghias in 3 hours, 42 minutes and 44 seconds; and Riyadh-based Ibrahim Abdul Khaliq in 3 hours, 44 minutes and 1 second. Lahore’s 67-year-old Hamid Butt completed the race in 3 hours, 49 minutes and 48 seconds. Butt is a two-time Six Star Finisher, a distinction awarded to runners who complete all six original World Marathon Majors. Other participants included Taimoor Malik, British-Pakistani Hassan Ali, Basil Khan, Sara Rathore, Imad Sheikh, British-Pakistani Warda Mir, Ghassan Tayyab, Zara Ordonez, Hassan Saleem, Daniyal Amir Lakdawala, Anees Kasmani, British-Pakistani Hammad Ali, Ahmed Zubair and Karachi-based Ayesha Intisar, who finished in times ranging from just over four hours to 5 hours, 35 minutes and 14 seconds.

Former British diplomat Mike Nithavrianakis, who previously served in Pakistan, also participated, finishing in 3 hours, 18 minutes and 4 seconds while raising funds for The Citizens Foundation, which works to improve access to education in Pakistan. The Chicago Marathon is one of the world’s leading long-distance running events and forms part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. More than 55,000 runners participated in this year’s race, covering 42.195 kilometres through 29 Chicago neighbourhoods, with the start and finish at Grant Park. In the men’s elite competition, Kenya’s Amos Kipruto claimed victory in 2 hours, 1 minute and 9 seconds, followed by Ethiopia’s Tadese Bekele in 2 hours, 2 minutes and 56 seconds and compatriot Milkesa Mengesha in 2 hours, 3 minutes and 46 seconds. Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa successfully defended her women’s title in 2 hours, 13 minutes and 33 seconds, while Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi finished second in 2 hours, 14 minutes and 7 seconds and compatriot Brigid Kosgei took third in 2 hours, 14 minutes and 55 seconds. The women’s elite race also made history, with three athletes finishing in under 2 hours and 15 minutes. The performances of Pakistani runners from the United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom highlighted the growing international presence of the Pakistani community at one of the world’s most prestigious marathon events.