A strong contingent of Pakistani distance runners showcased their prowess at the Tokyo Marathon 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious road races and a significant fixture on the international marathon calendar. The event, which took place on March 1, attracted nearly 40,000 participants from around the globe.
The fastest Pakistani runner was Zeeshan Ali, who completed the 42.195 km race in an impressive 2:40:09, placing him at the forefront of a highly competitive and fast-paced event on the Tokyo course. Other notable runners included Sadiq Shah, Ayaz Abdulla, Bilal Umar, Mohammad Abu Bakr Afzal, Bacha Khan, Asad Tungekar, Hassan Ijaz, Miqdad Mohammad, Semeena Khan, and Shazia Nawaz, representing both male and female athletes from Pakistan.
In addition to the competitive runners, Express News anchorperson Rehman Azhar also participated in his fifth World Major Marathon. This event, part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, is renowned for its fast course, excellent organisation, and international prestige, placing it among the most important marathons globally alongside events in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.
The Tokyo Marathon, characterized by its fast course and high standards, featured Ethiopian runner Tadese Takele winning the men’s race with a time of 2:03:37. In the women’s category, Brigid Kosgei from Kenya took home the win with a new course record of 2:14:29.
The participation of Pakistani runners in this major event underscores the steady growth of marathon running within Pakistan and highlights the increasing presence of its athletes at prominent international races. Their impressive performances serve as inspiration for aspiring runners, while also raising awareness of endurance sports in the country.