Lahore: Pakistan’s rising triathlon star Shahrez Khan has made history by qualifying for the prestigious Ironman 70.3 World Championship 2025, set to take place in Marbella, Spain, on November 9.
This milestone makes him only the second Pakistani ever to achieve this honor, following in the footsteps of Khurram Khan.
The talented athlete secured his spot after an impressive performance in the Ironman 70.3 Philippines, held in Puerto Princesa, where he finished 7th overall.
The grueling race tested endurance with 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km of cycling, and a 21.1 km run.
Speaking about his qualification, Shahrez said,
“Crossing that finish line and realizing I had qualified for the World Championship was an unforgettable moment — words can’t describe it.”
Shahrez, a former Aitchison College student, currently ranks among the top 5% of athletes worldwide in the All World Athlete category.
A versatile sportsman, he has previously competed in athletics, football, and swimming. His academic journey took him to the University of Western Ontario and Oxford University, where he represented Said Business School’s cross-country team.
Now serving as Regional Head for the Middle East and North Africa at SAMBA Global, Shahrez continues to train rigorously.
In Lahore, he set up an indoor training zone at home and practices running and cycling in Bagh-e-Jinnah and DHA Phase 7.
Shahrez began his Ironman journey in 2022 during a half marathon in Islamabad. Although cycling was a new challenge, he quickly mastered it through dedication and discipline.
He credits his training partner RD Rizwan Aftab Ahmed for being a driving force in promoting endurance sports among Pakistani youth.
Together, the duo has organized cross-country training camps at Aitchison College, aiming to inspire a new generation toward fitness and perseverance.
“We want to awaken a generation trapped in sedentary lifestyles,” Shahrez shared. “Sports build not just the body but the mind and spirit too. My dream is to see international-level endurance races held right here in Pakistan.”
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