Marathon man Monwar aims to run 10km per day for a year to raise funds for Palestine

Oldham’s ‘Marathon Man Monwar’ started an epic challenge in aid of Palestine on New Year’s Day, as he aims to run 10km every single day for a year.

Under the guidance of Afruz Miah, the ‘Running Man’, Monwar Hussain, who is 39, will carry out this gruelling challenge totalling 3,660km, the distance from UK to Gaza.

Every 1km will represent a life lost in the Gaza Strip since October 7.

He said: “You can individually or collectively join me.

"Let’s make a stand together; let’s give hope to the people of Palestine.”

Monwar's campaign aims to raise funds for Global Relief Trust (GRT) who have a team on the ground in Gaza where the civilian death toll is 20,000 and counting.

The aim is also to raise awareness about Palestine and to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.

The project has been named Miles4Humanity, and everyone is welcome to join Monwar whether by walking, running or cycling alongside him.

This challenge is unprecedented and unique.

Monwar added: “The constant running will be more taxing mentally rather than physically.

"The campaign so far has raised £600,000, and we aim to hit the target of £1million and maybe even exceed it.

“Most campaigns I have been involved with have been short term projects, but this campaign is long term to keep the Palestinian cause alive even after the genocide is over.

“While at college I used to go to gym but would avoid cardio at all costs, but I would do a lot of weightlifting.

"During the lockdown period as gyms were closed I joined a running club and enjoyed the social aspect of running.

"Everyone was locked at home so it was nice just to talk to people.

“I was initially motivated by wanting to maintain my fitness levels, so I continued to run even during Ramadan. 

“Now, I run for a purpose.

"Running is 90 percent mental exertion so if you have a purpose it makes running so much easier.

“This campaign is definitely out of my comfort zone as there is the issue of recovery as I will be running everyday without resting.

"The only comparison I can make is running during Ramadan every other day."

"I ran with the ‘Running Man’ and was with him on his 313 km run from Oldham to London,” Monwar (pictured above) added.

“I will give it my best shot.

"I’m confident although I will need support from GRT, family, friends and Afruz.

"I do worry sometimes about getting injured. It will put my body to the test.

"To run 10km takes me one hour of relaxed running.

“Afruz Miah will be with me throughout the campaign as much as possible as he is very busy.

"He may join me three or four times a week.”

Afruz said: “This challenge is no easy feat, I have done the Ramadan 313 campaign and know how difficult it was running for 21 days.

"This challenge will involve running for 366 days consecutively.

"No one has done this before at this level. 

“It will be an amazing and gruelling challenge, but we aim to please Allah and serve humanity by helping the most needy.

"Our struggle is nothing compared to what they are going through.

"Monwar will find it difficult, but I have faith that he has the ability and capability of doing this. 

“Please donate to the cause or join him on his daily runs.

"It is the very least we can do.”

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