Oldham’s ‘Running Man’ nominated at prestigious British Muslim Awards.

Afruz Miah BEM, known as ‘Oldham’s Running Man’, finds out whether he has won an award for helping his community, at The British Muslim Awards 2022, tomorrow night. 

The 48 year old from Coppice has raised more than £500K for charities and is being recognised for helping local people, through fitness and mental health work, throughout the pandemic. 

Afruz told The Oldham Evening Chronicle: “I have a natural desire to help others and don’t do this work for any type of award. But it is encouraging to get recognised in this way and my friends and family are very happy for me.”

This latest accolade follows a string of achievements for Afruz.  He was recognised in the Queen’s Honours List, for his services to charity, in January 2022. 

He has also recently returned from a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, which stands at more than 5,800 metres. 

The ex-maths tutor got his nickname ‘running man’ after completing a Manchester to London marathon last year, all whilst he was fasting during the month of Ramadan. 

He managed to raise £130K last April and hopes to repeat the feat, taking in a longer route this year.  His aim is to raise even more money, with a target of £250K. 

When we asked Afruz about how he managed to complete the run, he told us: “I think it comes from above, from my faith. 

“I don’t drink alcohol and managed to train my body to be able to withstand the running, through hard work and not taking on too much liquid.”

Originally from Coldhurst, Afruz explains that he enjoys doing humanitarian work for the charity Global Relief Trust, which helps some of the most vulnerable people around the world.   

“There’s lots of great work going on at a grass roots level, with people who have gone over and above during the pandemic, or at other times. 

“It’s a shame that not all of this is recognised at times.”

The British Muslim Awards are being held at the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester tomorrow night, February 24, 2022.  Around 300 people will attend. 

You can find out more about the work of the Global Relief Trust, or make a donation here: www.grtuk.org.

Afruz’s next challenge is called Ramadan 313, which will start first day of Ramadan for 23 days. It’s a longer run than he did last year and he’s set to release more details about this soon.  

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