Abu Dhabi resident from Kerala sets Guinness World Record at London Marathon in kandura
42.2km challenge in traditional Emirati attire earns global recognition
ABU DHABI/LONDON – UAE resident Sadique Ahamed, originally from Kerala and based in Abu Dhabi, has etched his name in the Guinness World Records after completing the London Marathon in traditional Emirati kandura.
He finished the 42.2km race in 3:19:20, becoming the first runner to achieve the feat in full national attire at one of the world’s most competitive marathon stages.
The achievement adds to his growing reputation for completing endurance events in unconventional outfits, each carrying a symbolic message of identity and discipline.
Record run
Running through London’s iconic course in kandura, Ahamed turned a cultural garment into the centre of a global sporting moment. The effort, however, was far from symbolic alone, as the outfit significantly restricted stride length and movement across all 42.2km. Despite the challenge, he maintained control from the early kilometres, gradually adjusting to shorter, more measured steps as the race progressed.
The London Marathon, with more than 60,000 participants, provided a high-intensity backdrop where he balanced visibility, caution and endurance throughout.
Final push
Ahamed’s toughest phase came beyond the 30km mark, where fatigue combined with restricted mobility intensified the physical demand. He relied on structured pacing and mental focus, breaking the remaining distance into smaller segments to stay on track. His preparation included months of training in kandura, alongside a disciplined weekly running routine of around 90-100km. The effort followed his personal best of 3:00:33 at the Tokyo Marathon, underlining that this run prioritised cultural expression over timing.
Along the London route, spectators responded with curiosity and encouragement as he carried both the UAE flag and cultural identity through the city’s streets.
The finish line marked the completion of a controlled, purpose-driven performance that later secured official confirmation of a Guinness World Record.