Mahamed Mahamed: Briton balancing London Marathon training with fasting for Ramadan
BBC World
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Mahamed Mahamed, a British marathon runner, is facing a unique challenge as he prepares for the London Marathon while observing Ramadan. Based in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Mahamed trains under floodlights at night to avoid daylight fasting hours during Ramadan. This rigorous routine involves early morning and late-night training sessions, interspersed with mosque visits and meals to break his fast. Despite the physical strain, Mahamed views Ramadan as a source of spiritual focus and self-discovery, emphasizing its importance over his athletic pursuits.
Mahamed’s schedule is grueling: he begins training at 4 PM, breaks fast, attends mosque, and returns for another session. After refueling, he sleeps briefly before waking at 4 AM for more food and additional rest. This demanding routine highlights the sacrifices Mahamed makes to balance his faith with his sport. He acknowledges the difficulty but sees Ramadan as a unifying force that strengthens his mental and physical resilience.
Among a elite group of British marathoners who have achieved sub-2:08 times, Mahamed is part of what he calls a “new era” of athletes. Having finished fourth at the 2024 London Marathon, he aims to achieve
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/3/2026