Following the pioneering ‘Run 4 Your Mosque’ on the streets of Tower Hamlets last year, this year hundreds of eager runners took part in the 5km event, this time in London’s Victoria Park on Sunday 16 June 2013.

The aim was to raise funds for the Mosque’s latest development, the nine-storey Maryam Centre, which is due to open before Ramadan 2013. This will be add more prayer space, extensive services for women, new facilities for the funeral service, and a permanent visitor centre overlooking a new prayer hall. The total amount raised by runners through sponsorship is expect to exceed £200,000.

The event also promoted a healthy lifestyle, encouraging the community to get fit and stay active. It attracted runners from all age groups, from children to senior citizens. Bouncy castles kept small children entertained.

The run began this morning after warm up exercises with members of the Mosque management. The chairman of the East London Mosque, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, thanked the participants saying: “You’ve all done this to support the Masjid, and we thank you very much for supporting the new Maryam Centre!”

Most runners completed the 5km course around Victoria Park in under 30 minutes. Prizes, including mountain bikes and iPads, were awarded to winners in each of the following age groups:

• under 13: Ismail Ahmed (22min 4sec)
• under 30: Muhammad Hirsi (16min 31sec)
• under 45: Rashid Ali (20min 6sec)
• over 46: Kamal Ahmed (23min 15sec)

The Mayor of Tower Hamlets came to support the runners. The ceremony closed with Shaikh Abdul Qayum, Imam of the East London Mosque, making a prayer with the runners.

[ENDS]

Run 4 Your Mosque Sponsors:

Bamfords Trust, Human Relief Foundation, Tayyabs, Pride of Asia, Islamic Bank of Britain, Muslim Aid, Taj Stores, Haji Taslim Funerals, Air Express, All Seasons Food, Zam Zam International, All Seasons Lettings and London Surgical Clinic.