Hina Malik – From 5K to Full Marathoner

“When Hina Malik laced up her shoes for her first 5K during the COVID-19 lockdowns, she never imagined it would set her on a journey to completing a full marathon just a few years later. What began as casual runs along Karachi’s Seaview to pass the time quickly transformed into a passion that redefined her life at 40.”

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Her first official race was the 5K at the Karachi Marathon 2024. Energized by the experience, Hina pushed further, entering 10K events like the One Run. Encouraged by her husband Sajjad, who saw her potential even when she doubted herself, she began to take running seriously. The turning point came when she signed up for structured training under coach Faisal Shafi. From the very beginning, Faisal told her she would run a full marathon, a goal Hina initially dismissed as impossible. But with his guidance, motivation, and belief in her, she slowly built the strength and confidence to go the distance.”

Training was both challenging and joyful. Hina recalls the excitement of following weekly workouts, the struggles of hill runs, and the camaraderie of long training sessions with fellow runners. The friendships she forged during this time remain some of her fondest memories. One particularly memorable day was when she and her friends ran through heavy rain along Seaview, laughing and pushing through the storm.”

“Despite progress, Hina doubted her ability to run a full marathon until she completed her first 30km training run. Alone at the finish, she broke down in tears—overwhelmed with pride that she had achieved something she once thought beyond her. That moment convinced her she could take on 42.2km.

“On race day at the Karachi Marathon 2025, Hina was filled with excitement rather than nerves. Running alongside her peers, she soaked in the atmosphere and pushed through the miles. Crossing the finish line was life-changing. “I cannot describe in words that feeling,” she recalls. “You’re over the moon—you’ve run a full marathon!” The sense of accomplishment boosted her confidence, proving to her that she was capable of so much more than she had ever believed.”

“Behind Hina’s success is a strong support system—her husband and children, who celebrated her commitment to doing something for herself, her circle of friends, and the larger running community. She especially credits fellow runner Kaukab and her coach for advice on everything from diet to hydration to lifestyle adjustments.”

“Now, with Karachi behind her, Hina is preparing for her first international race: the Istanbul Marathon. Though nervous about running in an unfamiliar city, she is excited for the challenge and the chance to represent the thriving running community of Karachi abroad.”

“For newcomers to the sport, Hina offers simple but powerful advice: start slow, enjoy the process, and never compare yourself to others. “You are only competing with yourself,” she emphasizes.

“A housewife and mother of two university-age children, Hina found in running not a mid-life crisis, but a new passion that is hers alone. Off the track, she enjoys cooking, crime documentaries, and music—though she now runs without it, thanks to her coach’s guidance. For Hina Malik, running is more than exercise; it’s proof that self-belief, consistency, and community can take you farther than you ever imagined.