REMARKABLE Coventry runner Haroon Mota is looking to become a ‘Six Star’ finisher as he braves the Boston Marathon during Ramadan to help feed hungry children and inspire others.
This year’s event takes place on April 17, during the final week of Ramadan and just six days before the London Marathon which Haroon also plans to run.
Once this race is run, Haroon will be one of just 10,000 people to have completed the six major marathons in the world – London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo and Boston.
Many Six Star finishers say Boston, along with New York, are the most gruelling because of the courses’ hilliness.
Haroon completed the Tokyo marathon last month and had to wait over two years to add Chicago and New York to his list due to the pandemic.
All cash raised will go to ‘Charity Right’, which Haroon became an ambassador for in January.
Charity Right provides free school meals to children in Yemen, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Malawi and Turkey.
Haroon will not be fasting on the day of the marathon but has been throughout his training process, running 13 miles just days ago.
“I always run throughout Ramadan, there are challenges in running while sleep deprived and having no food or water, but doing this to help children who don’t even have the promise of a meal reminds me to think about them and less about me.
“I worked in fund-raising until last year but wanted to continue to give back, I’m passionate about humanitarian projects especially involving children and being a father I want to shed light on how important this cause is.”
As well as raising cash, Haroon wants to use this and his other projects such as the Muslim Runners to normalise sports and empower people from underrepresented communities to take part.
“There won’t be many Muslims who have completed all six marathons so this achievement will hopefully inspire others to achieve whatever they want in life.”
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Boston Marathon terrorist attack.
Haroon said he always tried to promote the beautiful values of his faith through his good deeds and wanted to address Islamaphobia through his work.
So far, Haroon has raised over £6,200 from his £25,000 target.
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/haroonrunsboston to donate to Haroon’s cause.
