While we were enjoying our extra me or family time during Ramadan, a group of Filipinos ran every night passing along 218 mosques and covering a total distance of 207 kilometers. These figures were shared by the organizers of RUNmadan Season 11 which was participated by a total of 220 individuals of which 58% are female. On March 29, the highest number of runners, at 106, was recorded who ran for five kilometers passing along five mosques.
So what is this RUNmadan? “It is a non-profit running activity for 30 days in different areas in Dubai where runners pass along mosques within the designated area. Our aim is to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, perseverance, and to become fit, healthy and gain more friends through the sport of running,” said founder Ross Pisuena.
The first RUNmadan challenge was conducted on July 19, 2012, at the Muhaisnah 2 district, where Ross and his daughter, Bea, ran for five kilometers and passed three mosques. “Me and my daughter Bea started to run to get fit then my wife Annie suggested to run along every mosque then come back to the starting point. That was the day we started the RUNmadan challenge for my family and some friends,” Ross added.
In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, RUNmadan Season 9 was conducted for three days only by Ross and Bea, for obvious reason that public gathering in big groups is not allowed.\
“For the whole 30 days of Ramadan, RUNmadan Challenge is a platform of sharing your time, knowledge and blessings while having fun and reconnecting with old and new friends,” explained Leiyah Mendoza Magay, Core Member of the Filipinos Runners United (FRU). “In lieu of the Lenten tradition that we miss in the Philippines, the RUNmadan Challenge is the best alternative for OFWs here in Dubai to come and unite by staying active and fit. While we do our sacrifices together with our Muslim brothers and sisters as our form of respect to their tradition, we also showcase our appreciation to the rich culture of this country, our 2nd home.”
Last year on April 27, 2022, I had a short run with the group at the Tecom area in Al Barsha. The participants were really like a family. There were other nationalities, too, who enjoyed the snacks and even boiled eggs which were served after the run.
By the way, RUNmadan also has a weight loss contest and this year’s winners are Joel Marsada, who lost 5.8 kilos in 30 days, and Danica Camarauan, who lost 10.2 kilos in 24 days.
From 2017 to 2019, we also had an internal weight loss contest in our company called ‘Walk, Lose Weight and Be Healthy’ program. We rolled out the program on October 1, 2017, with 90 staff who had their weight recorded and were given wrist pedometers. Every week starting October 6, they submitted their total number of steps for seven days for recording. After nine weeks, they had a combined 20,964,373 number of steps.
The Top Walkers and Weight Losers were Rajesh Divakaran, with 2,198,441 steps and 14.1 kilos loss; Karthikeyan Venugopalan, with 1,975,103 steps and 4.5 kilos loss; and Arundhan Alphones, with 1,605,525 steps and 7.8 kilos loss. A Special Award was given to Adela Elago who lost 6.7 kilos. In the 2018 edition, a total of 10,333,873 steps were taken by five staff in 60 days. They lost a combined 75.2 kilos. And in the 2019 edition, Divesh V. took 2,380,653 steps and lost 8.1 kilos, while Ailene Bravo took 1,166,686 steps and lost 3.9 kilos.
Why don’t you run while the weather is still pleasant early morning and early evening. A healthy body will lead to a happy life. Run.