Amjad Ali becomes Pakistan’s top finisher at Istanbul marathon

Amjad Ali completes the 42-km race in 2:49:29, emerging as Pakistan's fastest finisher at the Istanbul Marathon event

Pakistani athlete Amjad Ali achieved a remarkable feat at the Istanbul Marathon on Sunday, completing the 42-kilometre race in 2 hours, 49 minutes, and 29 seconds, emerging as Pakistan’s fastest finisher at the event.

Ali, who competed among thousands of runners in the 46th edition of the marathon — a unique race spanning from Istanbul’s Asian side to its European coast — secured an impressive 47th place overall.

The men’s title was claimed by Ethiopian Dejene Debela, who crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 40 seconds, followed closely by Kenya’s Matthew Samperu with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 55 seconds, and fellow Kenyan Kenneth Kiprop Kipkemoi in 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 7 seconds.

Ali’s performance headlined a strong showing by Pakistani athletes. Muzammil Khan Niazi completed the marathon in 3 hours, 13 minutes, and 45 seconds, while Bilal Umar finished in 3 hours, 45 minutes, and 58 seconds.

Other Pakistani runners, including Ali Khurshid, Rohaıl Ahmed, Asad Tuneker, and Muhammad Adnan, all managed to complete the course in under four hours, demonstrating impressive endurance and skill.

The Istanbul Marathon is renowned as the world’s only intercontinental race, drawing elite runners and amateurs alike to a course steeped in history and spanning two continents.