Inter-faith fun runners send message of unity

ON BANK Holiday Monday, August 30, hundreds of runners and their friends and families gathered at StoneX Stadium in London for the city’s first ever Interfaith Fun Run. As well as being a great day out, the Fun Run had a more serious mission of bringing communities together and sending a message of unity and understanding between people of different faiths and beliefs.

More than 200 runners completed a 1K, 5K or 10K run in aid of their chosen charities, raising thousands of pounds for London’s vital faith-based charity sector. One of the highlights of the fun run was a buzzing charity fair with more than 25 of the partner charities present at their stalls, meeting and greeting local Londoners and connecting with fellow organisations working across the city.

Sir Kenneth Olisa, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, was ceremonially marched in by the Shree Muktajeevan

Swamibapa Pipe Band, a Scottish Hindu ensemble. Attendees were also entertained by the tranquil performances of MTO Shahmaghsoudi, a Sufi Zikr group, Taiko drumming by Shumei UK, songs by Propa and friends and the energising London International Gospel Choir.

Despite a year of lockdown restrictions, the charities have not been sitting idle and for many their work has increased to meet the needs of Londoners during this difficult time. It was a delight to see so many groups and individuals from different backgrounds jump at the chance to be part of this pioneering project in London.

No doubt the connections and relationships that began this summer bank holiday will continue to grow and bloom into partnerships that further the already-pivotal work being undertaken by charities and faith groups in London and beyond.