26/04/2026
Mawlana Hazir Imam completed the London Marathon on Sunday, 26 April 2026, achieving a personal best time.
Hazir Imam was pleased to see members of the Jamat taking part and conveyed his warm congratulations to them, along with appreciation for the support he received from Jamati members along the route.
In his Farmans, Hazir Imam has encouraged the Jamat to remain active and engage in physical activity. He emphasized making time daily to move, regardless of age or a busy schedule.
Despite his many responsibilities, Hazir Imam continues regular exercise, including distance running. He previously completed the Berlin Marathon in 2024 and the Chicago Marathon in 2025.
The marathon is regarded as the ultimate endurance challenge, testing physical strength, mental resilience, and disciplined preparation. It requires consistent training, proper nutrition, and recovery, yet remains accessible to people of all levels.
This year’s event featured historic moments. Sebastian Sawe of Kenya won the men’s race with a record time of 1:59:30, becoming the first to break the two-hour mark. Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia won the women’s race in a record 2:15:41. The oldest participants included 88-year-old Harry Newton from the UK and 86-year-old Maria Rivera from the USA.
Held every April, the London Marathon—one of the World Marathon Majors—follows a scenic route from Greenwich Park through key London landmarks, finishing on The Mall.
Since its launch in 1981, the event has grown significantly, supported by thousands of volunteers. Last year, it raised a record £87.3 million for charities, making it the world’s largest one-day fundraising event.
Photo credits: The Ismaili.