COVENTRY marathon runner and mountaineer Haroon Mota and the organisation he founded to encourage Muslims to keep active during lockdown have been nominated in ‘The Great Outdoors Reader’s Awards’.
The Muslim Hikers have been nominated for an ‘Open Outdoors’ prize while Haroon is up for the ‘Outdoor Personality of the Year.’
Haroon started the Hikers in 2020 and he has since led hundreds of people on walks across the UK.
The awards have been run by the Great Outdoors magazine for the past 11 years to celebrate the UK’s past-time.
There are 15 categories overall with nominees including the most inspirational people, organisations and businesses in the outdoor world.
Among them are authors, campaigners, campsites and pubs.
Of those nominated, the magazine’s readers will vote to choose three winners in each category.
The hikers were nominated for the awards for their work championing diversity outdoors, inspiring Muslims to join group hikes and experience the benefits of nature.
Haroon said: “It’s great to receive recognition on two fronts – both for the group Muslim Hikers which is making massive change for the community, and also myself as an outdoor personality.
“I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved so far and will continue to strive to be and to do the best.
“Thank you for the nominations and thank you to everyone who has supported me on the journey so far.”
Nominations close on December 9. To vote, visit thegreatoutdoorsmag.com/awards/reader-awards
