2 weeks Ago
The 43-year-old, who is part of Blackburn Road Runners, has taken on a Ramadan running challenge every year since 2022, each time pushing himself further to raise money for those in need. This year, he set his sights on completing 580km while observing the fast and aimed to raise £10,000 for the Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT). Though he fell short of his financial target, he still raised an impressive £3,459, and the achievement of completing every single run was a reward in itself.
“The highlight was finishing the full 20km on the 29th day. I was so happy when I did it,” Faizal said. “There were so many good moments, like when fellow Blackburn Road Runners joined me.
Most of my runs were solo, so that support meant a lot.” He added: “Staying injury-free was a big relief. I kept thinking if I got hurt, I’d have to pull out, but thankfully that didn’t happen.
” The challenge wasn’t without its struggles. Faizal admitted he often felt like quitting. “There were definitely times I wanted to hang up my trainers.
I’d tell myself, ’I’m done with this. I can’t do it.’ But I had to dig deep, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and find strength I didn’t know I had.
That kept me moving forward.” (Image: Faizal Momoniat) Faizal ran in support of orphans in Kashmir, with the money raised going towards essentials like fresh meals, safe accommodation, and access to education and medical care. It was this cause that kept him motivated on the toughest days.
He said: “When I thought about the kids I was doing this for, how they need food, education, and care, it gave me purpose. I also wanted to see how far I could push myself after doing 15km last year.” READ MORE: Ramadan 'road runner' takes on his biggest challenge yet READ MORE: ‘Ramadan runner’ is back with 'gruelling' 15k challenge READ MORE: Fundraiser aims to run 10km a day whilst fasting during Ramadan He did face setbacks, including falling ill in the final week of fasting.
He said: “I was totally out of it some days, but still had to get the 20km done. That was a massive struggle. I missed water more than food.
” Looking back, he says the only thing he’d change is the way he approached fundraising. “I wish I’d had someone helping with the fundraising so I could focus more on recovery and running. I didn’t have time to visit businesses or post regularly on social media,” he said.
When asked what advice he’d give to anyone considering a similar challenge, Faizal laughed: “Don’t do it. It’s for crazy people like me! “Seriously though, it’s not easy. It will break you if you’re not ready.
You have to be strong in every way to not give up. But everything I went through has built me for the future.” As for next year? “People are already asking what’s next.
I’ve said I’m done with daily ones...
but who knows? Maybe 25km a day next Ramadan? Never say never.” You can follow Faizal’s journey on Instagram at @runningman_82 , and support his future fundraising efforts there..
