Understanding Ramadan and keeping fit

RunMadan Challenge started in 2012 and it was the bright idea by Pisuena to motivate his kids to have a healthy lifestyle.

A group of runners has taken a better understanding of the UAE's religious and cultural life - literally, one step at a time - whilst keeping fit during the holy month of Ramadan.
They call this initiative 'RunMadan Challenge' and they run from one mosque to another, covering six to seven mosques and six to seven kilometres every night after Iftar.
"For us, running during Ramadan has both physical and cultural benefits," Ross Pisuena, organiser of the event and president of Filipino Runners United, told Khaleej Times. "Our goal is simple: we do not just keep our physical wellbeing but we also use running as a tool to learn and respect the main religion of our host country."
"Our Muslim brothers fast during the holy month and we also would like to take a similar challenge to practise self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice and perseverance. And also by doing RunMadan Challenge we get a closer look and better understanding of the UAE's rich cultural heritage," Pisuena added.

Khaleej Times caught up with the group on Thursday night. They started their 7-km run from Al Ghubaiba Metro station in Bur Dubai and after doing the usual stretches they headed towards the Heritage and Diving Villages.
"It's like we're running and we're having a quick tour of different historic spots in Dubai," said runner Emmanuel Santos. "We had an interesting picture of early life in Dubai and we learned how Dubai started as a small fishing village and now what we see are tall skyscrapers."
The group then headed towards Shindaga Tunnel and crossed Dubai Creek via abra before heading towards the Grand Mosque which Pisuena, an architect by profession, described as "an excellent example of old architectural design."
"But more than appreciating the architecture," Pisuena's 15-year daughter Sophia said, "mingling with our Muslim brothers was really the highlight of the run.'
"We've been doing this RunMadan challenge for the past four years and every year I look forward to sharing an Iftar meal with our Muslim brothers and learning more about Islam. We also gain more friends and we learn to respect religious and cultural diversities," Sophia added.

RunMadan Challenge started in 2012 and it was the bright idea by Pisuena to motivate his kids to have a healthy lifestyle. From running every other night with only a handful of companions, the group doubled its participants the following year and became a nightly run. Last year, they visited 210 mosques and covered a total of 210 kilometres.
This year, the group is targeting to visit 215 mosques, including the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and to achieve a total distance of 250 kilometres.
Everyone is welcome to join the RunMadan Challenge. Runners are grouped according to abilities. They can walk briskly, jog or run, depending on their fitness level. Those interested in joining the 'RunMadan Challenge' should see the group page: www.facebook.com/Filipino-Runners-United

angel@khaleejtimes.com

• Ramadan Health