Mona Khan completes London Marathon

She became first female journalist from the country to finish the event

In a historic achievement, Pakistani anchor and journalist Mona Khan has become the first Pakistani female journalist to complete the prestigious London Marathon 2025, alongside Muhammad Yousuf, the first Kashmiri international marathon runner. Their success is not just a personal victory — it is a powerful statement of breaking barriers and beating the odds.

Mona Khan's journey to this moment began at the end of 2023, when she made headlines by becoming the first Pakistani female journalist to run the historic and notoriously challenging Athens Marathon in Greece.

At a time when marathon running was largely seen as a male-dominated arena, especially for Pakistan, Mona dared to dream bigger. It was Coach Muhammad Yousuf, himself an accomplished international marathon runner, who motivated her to believe that if male national runners could represent Pakistan globally, so could a female journalist.

Facing widespread skepticism and negativity, including criticism that running 42.2 km was simply "showing off," Mona Khan stood firm. She turned every doubt into determination, training relentlessly with Yousuf's mentorship and proving critics wrong step by step.

In 2024, the duo completed back-to-back major marathons — first at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon in Canada, then at another challenging race in Italy. Mona's 2025 began with another major milestone in Dubai, setting the stage for her London triumph.

However, her path was not without challenges. An injury before the London Marathon tested her physical limits, while the emotional difficulty of leaving behind her young son, Mustafa, in Pakistan weighed heavily on her heart.

Mona also made sacrifices for her athletic goals, cutting her long hair for ease in training and enduring intense sun exposure that darkened her skin — yet she stayed focused and undeterred. Completing the London Marathon against all odds, Mona Khan is now being recognized internationally alongside Coach Muhammad Yousuf, who has steadfastly supported her journey.