UPDATE 12/10/09
Success! After months of hard training, I took to the roads of Birmingham and completed the race without stopping in a very pleasing time of 1hr 38min, well within my target! An incredible event, with a sensational atmosphere - hopefully the first of many. There's still time to donate so please do take a moment to contribute to this great cause. Thanks to everyone who has shown their support so far, it is really appreciated.
INTRO
Salaam/Hello! I recently took up running and have entered myself for the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on October 11, in what will, insha'Allah (God willing), be the first of a series of endurance running events I enter in the coming year. I'll be using this as an opportunity to raise essential funds for worthy causes at home and around the world. Given the urgency of the situation and the desperate funds needed to address the growing humanitarian crisis there, I have decided to start with the Swat Region in Pakistan. All raised funds will be passed through the charity, Islamic Relief. You can find more information
here.
My primary aim is to finish the race without having to walk any of it, in under 2 hours. Those of you with (too much) time on your hands can check out my running blog
here. I've also set up a
Facebook group, so stay tuned for regular updates!
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s
also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Islamic Relief gets
your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure
25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Please support this most worthy cause and donate however much you can; every penny counts. It takes just two minutes to donate, but makes a lifetime's worth of difference. What's more, you'll be paying to watch me suffer. Everyone wins!