Pakistan’s “Elite 14” set to conquer the historic 130th Boston Marathon
By Nawaz Gohar ; The world’s most venerable pavement will play host to a historic moment for Pakistani endurance sports. As the 130th Boston Marathon kicks off, a dedicated contingent of 14 runners from Pakistan and its global diaspora will line up among 30,000 athletes, marking a new chapter in the nation’s rising obsession with the “World Majors.”
The Boston Marathon remains the crown jewel of long-distance running. As a Platinum Label event and the second stop on the 2026 World Marathon Majors circuit, it is notoriously the only race that demands rigorous qualifying times for entry. For the 14 Pakistanis involved, simply reaching the starting line in Hopkinton is a victory in itself.
The Constable’s Sprint to the World StageAmong the stories of grit, none shines brighter than that of Amjad Ali, a police constable from Karachi. Ali’s journey is a masterclass in grassroots determination. Swapping the football pitch for the marathon course in 2018, Ali stunned the local circuit by winning his debut race against a five-time champion.
Having clocked a blistering 2:40 at the Karachi Marathon to secure his spot, Ali represents the raw talent burgeoning in Pakistan.”I trained hard on the streets of Karachi, supported by my colleagues at SVRC and my coach, Talib,” Ali remarked. “My goal isn’t just to finish; I am here to beat my personal best on one of the biggest stages in the world.”
A Surgeon’s Six-Star TransformationOn the other end of the spectrum is Dr. Jehanzeb Mughal, a Karachi-based maxillofacial surgeon whose run is fueled by philanthropy. For Dr. Mughal, crossing the finish line on Boylston Street signifies the completion of the coveted Six Star Journey—finishing all six World Marathon Majors.His transformation is nothing short of miraculous.
Five years ago, Dr. Mughal was 30kg overweight with chronic knee pain. Today, he runs for a cause far greater than a medal.” This race represents a commitment to a larger purpose,” Dr. Mughal explained. “I am using this journey to sustain the free Oral Cancer Surgery Unit at PEBS Hospital in Karachi, which has already provided over 450 free surgeries.”
The 2026 contingent showcases the diversity of the Pakistani running community. Out of the 14 runners, four are already Six Star finishers, while four more (including Dr. Mughal) will earn their sixth star in Boston. Remarkably, three members of the group are Seven Star finishers, and two female athletes bolster the squad’s strength.
The Boston 14: A Global Pakistani Roster
Amjad Ali Sindh, Pakistan
Dr. Jehanzeb Mughal Karachi, Pakistan
Nosherwan Ali Karachi, Pakistan
Hamid Butt Lahore, Pakistan
Bilal Ehsan Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Salman Khan USA
Nizar Nayani USA
Aamer Butt USA
Jamal Khan USA
Sherri Anjum USA
Syed Hamza USA
Maheen Sheikh UK
Shahzada Hussain UK
Muhammad Fasih Saleh Norway
