Runners brave heat wave for inaugural Maryam Centre charity run

Emdad Rahman:  Running enthusiasts of all ages came together to pound the streets of Tower Hamlets while raising money for charity. On a scorchingly hot summer day, 500 runners put the barbecues and cocktails on hold to sport their trainers while running, sprinting and walking to raise funds to complete work on the Maryam Centre, the London Muslim Centre’s exciting new development.

The run began outside the East London Mosque in Fieldgate Street. Addressing the crowds, Dilowar Khan, Executive Director of the Mosque, said, “Health is a crucial part of a Muslim’s life. We should work to maintain good health, and the Mosque offers many health initiatives to help our community get fit, such as Faith in Health and Hayaa Fitness.”

Decked out among the customised and vibrant colours was the youngest competitor in the field. In pursuit of the glory of the finishing line, five year old Shameen Yesar locked horns with veterans, 81 year old Monohar Ali and Mohammed Toboris Ali, 71.

“I have particularly enjoyed the community spirit,” said Lokuj Jaman.

Lokuj Jaman, a university fitness instructor, said: “Hundreds have come here with one purpose – to unite and to fundraise. I have particularly enjoyed the community spirit and, with the banter I shared with my old friend, I haven’t enjoyed such a laugh in a long time. I’m hoping that this becomes an annual event as it can only go from strength to strength and we can contribute to worthy projects and causes to support in our community.”

Iqbal Khan ran with his three sons and raised more than £90,000. He described the East London Mosque as “truly unique” in the work it does for the community.

Mohammed Zabadne from Bamford Trust, who generously sponsored the event, sounded the start bugle to herald the start of the run at 11 am and then joined in himself with his two sons.

The route took runners along a carefully marked course through the streets of Whitechapel and Stepney Green, before turning into Mile End Park, finally finishing at Wennington Green Park.

The Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, presented medals to the top runners and praised them for taking part in such a great community event, saying “the East London Mosque will always remain at the heart of the community.”

Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari, Chair of the Mosque, commended the inspirational fundraising efforts of the runners and the community.

Speaking after the event Shaynul Khan, Assistant Director of the Mosque, said, “We hope events like this can inspire the communities of Tower Hamlets to sustain healthier lifestyles. This run has seen enthusiastic participation by many from our community, who normally never take part in any kind of sporting activity.”

The Mosque hopes to organise a similar run next year and is encouraging participants and the community to fundraise and fulfill their commitment to fundraise for the Maryam Centre, which is scheduled to open in 2013.

Fifteen year old Rahat Ahmed (left) has inspired his friends to take up running.

Fifteen year old Rahat Hussain finished the route in 39 minutes. Some of the 30-35 year category runners used Rahat’s father’s Londis store on Burdett road as a drinks pit stop. Rahat, a pupil at Sir John Cass Redcoat School, said: “I’m running with my youngest uncle and we are both very competitive. I’m confident of beating him and looking forward to seeing my Dad and his friends cheering us on the route. That will give me a really big boost I’m sure.”

In a Seb Coe style burst of pace at the death, Rahat edged ahead of his uncle to defeat him in the final straight. He added: “I’m really happy to have the chance to raise a little money for the development of the Maryam Centre which will provide excellent services for members of our community. Many of my friends now want to take up running for leisure and charity and I’m very pleased to have inspired them to do this. It’s an excellent event and has been full of fun. I thought the start of the race where the announcer was struggling to get excited runners behind the starting line was really funny.”

The following runners won prizes for being the fastest in their respective age groups: Naeem Kawsar (under 14s), Rohim Ali (15–30), Rashid Ali (31–45) and Abdul Hasanath (45+).