Nizar Nayani Leads Pakistani Runners at Chicago Marathon 2026
Texas-based Nizar Nayani led a 30-strong Pakistani contingent at the Chicago Marathon 2026 on Sunday, crossing the line in 3 hours and 45 seconds at the 48th running of one of the world’s most famous road races.
The 48th edition of the race, one of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, drew around 55,000 runners over the 42.195-kilometre course through Chicago, which starts and finishes in Grant Park.
Nizar Nayani leads the Pakistani charge at Chicago Marathon 2026
Nayani, who lives in Tomball, Texas, was making his fifth appearance at the Chicago Marathon. He went through 5km in 20:16 and 10km in 40:22, reached halfway in 1:25:41, and passed 30km in 2:03:49. His pace faded in the second half, and he reached 40km in 2:50:24 before finishing in 3:00:45 — 46 seconds short of breaking the three-hour mark.
“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,” Nayani said after the race.
He added that conditions were not ideal on the day and said he was proud to be part of the Pakistani team.
The rest of the Pakistani contingent
Karachi-based Mustafa was the second-fastest Pakistani finisher in 3:29:18. Brooklyn-based Basherri Anjum was the fastest Pakistani woman and third overall among the Pakistani runners, finishing in 3:31:01. Abu-Bakr Mohammad Afzal stopped the clock at 3:32:39, while Chicago-based Pakistani-American Babar Ghias finished in 3:42:44.
At least 30 Pakistanis and Pakistan-origin runners took part in the race. The group also included British-Pakistanis Hamad Ali, Wardah Mir, Nazakat Ali and Hassan Abbas Ali, who were registered under other nationalities. Hamad Ali completed the Chicago race just two weeks after running the Berlin Marathon on September 27, where he finished in 4:17:49.
Pakistan’s running movement keeps growing
The Chicago turnout is the latest sign of Pakistan’s growing presence in the World Marathon Majors. A sizeable Pakistani contingent also ran the Berlin Marathon last month, and Karachi recently hosted a half marathon that drew more than 1,500 runners.
Chicago’s flat course has a reputation for fast times, which makes it a popular target for runners chasing personal bests. Nayani’s near miss of the sub-three-hour mark will give Pakistan’s distance runners a clear benchmark to aim for next year.
A busy week for Pakistan sport
It was a strong week for Pakistan sport overall. It came on the back of Pakistan’s 82-run rout of Sri Lanka, which sealed the T20I series 2-0 in Rawalpindi.
In Test cricket, South Africa were on the brink of defeat against Australia in Durban after slumping to 102-4.
England’s build-up to their tour of Pakistan suffered a setback as Jos Buttler was ruled out after hamstring surgery, while Ollie Pope was among three England players to withdraw from the APL draft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the fastest Pakistani runner at the Chicago Marathon 2026?
Nizar Nayani was the fastest Pakistani finisher, completing the 42.195km course in 3:00:45 — 46 seconds outside the three-hour mark.
Who was the fastest Pakistani woman at the race?
Brooklyn-based Basherri Anjum was the fastest Pakistani woman and the third-fastest Pakistani overall, finishing in 3:31:01.
How many Pakistanis took part in the Chicago Marathon 2026?
At least 30 Pakistanis and Pakistan-origin runners took part, including runners from the United States, Britain and Pakistan itself.
What is the Abbott World Marathon Majors?
It is a series of seven of the world’s leading marathons, and the Chicago race is counted among them. Chicago’s flat course is known for producing fast times.
