In a sea of bright green t-shirts, runners returned to Victoria Park, Bow, East London to compete in this year's Run 4 Your Mosque – making the park come alive!

The scene was set with a glorious sunny morning as runners arrived and did warm-up exercises, led by trustees of the Mosque.

The participants had worked hard to seek sponsorship for the run, to help fundraise for the Maryam Centre, a nine-storey building, which was opened in Ramadan 2013. The new development has provided the Mosque and Centre with more prayer space, extensive services for women, new facilities for the funeral service, and a permanent visitor centre overlooking a new prayer hall. There is currently a £3m debt outstanding on the development costs of the Maryam Centre.

Run 4 Your Mosque has helped promote a healthy lifestyle in the community for old and young alike. Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman turned up to encourage the runners at the start line and said: "I applaud every member of the community that is taking part in this year's Run 4 Your Mosque. This initiative by the Mosque will help raise awareness about leading a fit and healthy lifestyle. The East London Mosque is a beacon of our community and we should all fundraise to help."

Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, trustee of the Mosque, said: "I thank every runner for helping to fundraise for the Maryam Centre. It is only through your generous support we have been able to progress thus far and establish a world class institution. It is really encouraging to see so many young faces here with us today!"

Runners completed the 5km course in 30 minutes or less, with many improving on their times from last year. This year's prizes awarded to runners who came first place in their age group included a mountain bike, galaxy tablets, red letter day and a laptop.

The eldest runner this year was Toboris Ali, a long serving member and volunteer of the Mosque. He completed the course in a leisurely pace with his seven grandchildren.

The following runners came first in their age groups:

• Under 12s: Hamza Yunis
• 13–17: Mohammed Al Magdad
• 18–34: Abdul Razaq
• 35–50: Hasan Dahir
• 51+: Harun Miah

The closing ceremony for the event saw runners receive their prizes and various comments were made by the Mosque's management, who thanked all of them for their participation and support.

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Run 4 Your Mosque Sponsors:

Bamfords Trust, Human Aid, Muslim Aid, Brit College, global Aid, Sunnah Circumcision, Media Link, Bombay Fashion Accessories, Haji Taslim funerals, Islamic Bank of Britain, Baraka Eatery, JMG Cargo, All Seasons Lettings, Taj Stores, All Seasons Foods, Islamic Relief, Casablanca and Design Print Interactive.