Over 300 runners came together for the annual Muslim Charity Run 2016 at Victoria Park in Bow on Sunday 8 May 2016, raising funds for 10 different charities including the East London Mosque.

On a brilliantly sunny day with temperature hitting 27 degrees, runners – young and old – ran 5km to fundraise for a charity of their choice.

Many runners returned this year to improve on their personal records, with some managing to complete the 5km course in less than 20 minutes. The first to finish was Abduroisack Farah, a top performer from previous years.

Dilowar Khan, Executive Director of the East London Mosque, which organises the event, said: “It’s always encouraging to see members of the community taking part in this event. We need to promote healthier lifestyles, so that the younger generation can learn to live fit and active lives – doing it for good causes makes it even better. This year I managed to improve my personal best time too!”

The prize-winning runners in each age group were:

• Under 12s, Saqib Syed
• 13–17, Adil Hussain
• 18–34, Abduroisack Farah
• 35–50, Rashid Ali
• 51+, Shah Alom

Every participant who completed the course received a special commemorative medal.

Senior Fundraising Officer for the East London Mosque, Tozommul Ali, said: “We’re delighted it’s been another successful fun run, raising thousands of pounds for charitable causes – Alhamdulillah (praise be to God)! Hundreds of runners took part on this beautiful day, supported by their families and friends. We are grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and supporters who helped make the event a success. We hope to return next year for an even bigger run, insha’Allah (God willing).”

The closing ceremony for the Muslim Charity Run 2016 was led by the Honorary Secretary of the East London Mosque, Ayub Khan, who thanked the runners for their support and encouraged everyone to take part next year.

We would like to thank all our sponsors: Bamford Trust PLC, Muslim Aid, Human Relief Foundation, Human Aid, Human Appeal, Islamic Relief, Quilfords, Haji Taslim Funerals, Al Manar, London Sunnah Circumcision, Taj Accountant, Zahra Solicitors, All Seasons Foods, and Kuddus Solicitors.

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