Web desk: Faisal Shafi, Pakistan’s leading marathon runner and holder of multiple world records on international marathon stages, will be running the upcoming Chicago Marathon with a mission beyond personal achievement – to raise funds for the people affected by devastating floods in Pakistan.
Shafi, 43, has set a target of raising PKR 5 million through donors and private contributions. The collected funds will be distributed among flood-affected families in Pakistan through the United Nations relief program.
“This year in Chicago, I will be running for a cause,” Shafi said in a statement before his departure to the United States. “Marathons are not just about personal glory – they can also serve as powerful platforms to raise awareness and help people in need. Our countrymen are still suffering due to the recent floods, and it is everyone’s responsibility to step forward and support them.”
He further emphasised that all funds will be managed and transferred through a transparent process to ensure accountability.
The Chicago Marathon is one of the prestigious World Marathon Majors, attracting elite runners from across the globe.
It is noteworthy that Faisal Shafi recently completed the Sydney Marathon, becoming the only Pakistan-based runner to achieve the ‘Seven Star’ milestone.
During that race, he set the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run in a combat uniform, wearing a light military-inspired outfit to mark the achievement.
