Running and Ramadan
If you’re fasting this Ramadan and worried about the impact on your training, do not fear. With some careful planning it is still possible to run.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims around the world as a time of prayer, reflection and community. It is one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims.
Fasting from dawn to sunset is an important part of Ramadan. During the fasting hours Muslims must abstain from drinking and eating.
For Muslim runners this can make training difficult, so it’s important to plan and prepare.
Here Lena Elghamry, co-founder of the Mwslima Run Club in Cardiff, shares how her club adapts to this time in the calendar.
She said: “During Ramadan, we usually reduce our sessions and hold them either in the mornings or just before it’s time to break fast—about two hours beforehand—giving participants time to get home and eat. As always, we encourage everyone to run at their own pace and assess the group’s energy to decide what’s most suitable for them.
“People take different approaches to running during Ramadan. Some prefer running just before breaking their fast, while others opt for early morning runs after Fajr (the sunrise prayer). However, some choose to pause running altogether, either because it’s difficult to manage with fasting or due to the busyness of the month.
“The most important advice is to listen to your body and take it easy. If you find it too challenging to run before or after breaking fast, consider alternatives like jogging, walking, or at-home workouts. It’s worth remembering that looking after your body in Islam is a form of worship, and running is a wonderful way to do that! Of course, if there are any medical concerns, it’s always best to seek professional advice.”
Lena added: “For some, running during Ramadan feels especially meaningful. The mindset of dedicating all actions during this month to self-improvement—including health and well-being—can make running a powerful practice.
“At Mwslima, we hope to make it easier for Muslim women in Cardiff to run during Ramadan. We’ve done it before and can offer advice, tips, and a strong sense of community and sisterhood. We aim to motivate women to get out for a run, even after a long day of fasting.”
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