The Fasting 5K: Low On Fuel, High on Eman

Community News
Typography

 

Farhan Razi and his friends were breaking iftar at a park in Boston and discussing creative ways to give back. Later that night on a midnight bike ride they came up with the idea of combining their passion for running and raising awareness about Islam, and sharing the spirit of Ramadan.

Razi along with co-founder Viqar Husain formed Fasting 5K, a unique take on the American running tradition.

According to the organizers, over the last two years, F5K has raised over $45,000 for charities in the U.S. and abroad that focus on helping youth. “What started as the humble vision of one group quickly became the passionate mission of multiple communities," say organizers.

On July 11, 2015, Fasting 5K will once again run, walk, or stroll a 3-mile loop around the National Mall in Washington DC, starting and finishing at 3rd St NW & Madison Dr NW National Mall, Washington, DC 20216.

The run starts at 7:00 p.m. and will end with iftar. Each participant is urged to raise at least a $100 for the cause.


This year the group has paired up with Herndon-based FAITH’s Shaping Young Minds program. The program focuses on children ages 2-17 who are living in poverty, orphaned, or come from broken home and helps provide basic necessities and recreational activities that they wouldn't get. The program helps make lasting impressions on the young children and gives them the right tools to succeed for the future.

The big question is why run while fasting a 17 hour fast?
“Good energy comes…when you are doing good,” says Fakhir Ahmed, the Director of Business Development at Faith Social Services, who firmly believes that in Ramadan one should push their limits, especially if it is for a great cause. He walked the walk last year and said it was a surprisingly easy as there is no time limit.

The children who are a part of the Faith program are offered opportunities while they are going through a difficult time. From shopping sprees for winter clothing to field trips, 24 activities are planned through the year. 40 percent of these children are orphans (the father is deceased or has abandoned the family). Many of these children reside with or have their living expenses paid by local Muslim families. Currently there are 105 children in the program but Ahmed estimates that the numbers will double to over 300 children. The increase in low-income families affected by the bad economy, influx of refugees and asylum seekers, and gaps in the health care system are increasing the need by the year. “It is almost like an epidemic,” says Ahmed.

This year, Fast 5K will also support Boston's ICNA Relief, Detroit's Covenant House Michigan, DC's FAITH's Shaping Young Minds Program, and SoCal's PATH. This year, their international partner is the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund.


"The answer to the big questions in running is the same as the answer to the big questions in life: do the best with what you've got.” This quote is much more meaningful when you are giving up what you have for the sake of the One Who gave it to you.


For more information or to take part, visit fasting5k.org.

Comments powered by CComment