Fastest Pakistani: Furqan Shines in London 2025

In an inspiring display of endurance and national pride, Furqan Masood from Islamabad made headlines as the fastest Pakistani runner at the 2025 London Marathon. Covering the challenging 42.195 kilometers in 3 hours, 10 minutes, and 7 seconds, Masood led a group of more than 40 Pakistani and Pakistani-origin athletes in one of the world’s most prestigious marathon events.

Outstanding Performance and Determination

Masood’s performance stood out not only for his timing but also for his remarkable consistency throughout the race. He began with a steady pace, completing the first 5 kilometers in 20 minutes and 44 seconds, and reaching the 10K mark at 42:09.

Despite facing rising temperatures and physical exhaustion in the latter stages, he pushed through with resilience and finished strong — securing the 4,460th position out of more than 56,000 runners.

“Crossing the finish line at the London Marathon was a deeply humbling experience,” Masood shared. “The energy of the crowd and the incredible support from my club and the Pakistani community truly lifted my spirits.”

Representing Pakistan on the Global Stage

Masood represented the Islamabad Running Club, a growing community of fitness enthusiasts promoting endurance sports across Pakistan. His participation, along with dozens of others, reflected the country’s rising enthusiasm for long-distance running and healthy living.

The 2025 London Marathon saw an impressive turnout of Pakistani runners from both within the country and the diaspora, each showcasing determination and pride.

Some of the notable finishers included:

• Salman Ilyas (USA): 3:18:33
  

• Muhammad Fasih Saleh (Norway): 3:21:54
  

• Hamza Saleem: 3:23:10
  

• Shah Syed: 3:23:12
  

• Amy Mir (Norway): 3:52:00 – Fastest female runner of Pakistani origin
  

• Hamid Butt (Lahore): 3:41:45 – First Pakistani to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors twice
  

Inspiring a Generation of Pakistani Athletes

The participation of over 40 Pakistani runners at such a major international event is a testament to Pakistan’s growing presence in global athletics. These athletes, from various backgrounds and professions, came together with one shared goal — to represent their homeland on an international stage.

Among them, 64-year-old Hamid Butt achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Pakistani to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors twice, earning his second Six Star Medal — an achievement that celebrates runners who have completed all six major world marathons.

A Symbol of National Pride

Furqan Masood’s impressive performance and the collective achievements of his fellow runners symbolize Pakistan’s emerging potential in endurance sports. Their dedication and perseverance continue to inspire young athletes across the nation to take up running and other fitness pursuits.

As more Pakistanis participate in global events like the London Marathon, these stories of passion and perseverance will undoubtedly motivate a new generation of runners — driven by the same spirit of determination and pride that carried Furqan Masood across the finish line in London.