Sydney Marathon Week: Muslim Runners and Hikers Go Global

Active Inclusion Network delivers a week of community activations in Sydney as Muslim Runners partner with Sydney Marathon

Muslim Runners, a flagship project of Active Inclusion Network, was proud to be an official community partner of the Sydney Marathon 2025. This partnership marked a significant milestone for our global community, with runners travelling from the UK, the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to take part. Alongside race day, we delivered a full week of activations showcasing the breadth of our work and our commitment to building inclusive spaces in running and the outdoors.

A global milestone at the Sydney Marathon

Haroon Mota (Founder) and Semeena Khan (Community Lead) joined Muslim Runners from across the world for an unforgettable Sydney Marathon weekend. The atmosphere on the streets was electric, with the pride of representing Muslim Runners on one of the biggest stages in world running.

Haroon Mota, Founder of Active Inclusion Network and Muslim Runners, said:

“Crossing the finish line in Sydney was special for me personally as it marked my seventh Abbott World Marathon Major star. But more importantly, it was a huge milestone for Muslim Runners as a global community. To have our presence felt so strongly in Sydney, and to celebrate alongside runners and hikers from across continents, shows just how powerful this movement has become.”

A week of community activations

The marathon was the centrepiece of the trip, but it was only part of a much bigger programme of activity designed to connect with community, create visibility, and celebrate movement.

• Wodi Wodi Trek at Stanwell Park (Muslim Hikers x Arc’teryx): Together with Arc’teryx and outdoor adventurer Sabrina Alam, we led a hike through breathtaking forest trails overlooking the coast, finishing with prayers on the beach. This Muslim Hikers activation embodied our mission of faith, nature, and community.

Sabrina Alam said:

“Co-hosting Muslim Hikers’ first event in Sydney was such a milestone for me and for our community here in Australia. We gathered for a hike, but left with so much more, connections and bonds that we’ll carry for a long time.”

• Speaking at the Sydney Marathon Expo: Ahead of race day, our team spoke on stage at the Sydney Marathon Expo about diversity in running and the journey of Muslim Runners.

Nick Youngquest, Community Engagement & Partnerships Manager of the TCS Sydney Marathon, shared these words on the collaboration:

“Working with Muslim Runners, the Active Inclusion Network, specifically Semeena and Haroon — has been incredible. Connected through running from our counterparts, Sanaa and Hamid from the community team at LME, demonstrates the power of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, and the dedication to true inclusion in sport.

Since the connection with the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, Semeena and Haroon have gone to great lengths to positively impact communities of faith here, especially through the Sydney Muslim Run Club from Western Sydney – something that was on full display at our first event as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major.

We look forward to continuing to grow the connection with Muslim Runners UK into the future.”

• ShakeOut Run (Muslim Runners x Arc’teryx): In the lead-up to the marathon, we partnered with Arc’teryx for a community ShakeOut Run through central Sydney, bringing runners together to loosen their legs and share pre-race nerves and excitement.

• Sydney Muslim Run Club collaboration: We deepened our relationship with the Sydney Muslim Run Club, ensuring our legacy in Sydney is rooted locally and continues beyond our visit.

Jasmine, Sydney Muslim Run Club Lead, said:

“Having Muslim Runners join us in Sydney felt like a full-circle moment. Meeting brothers and sisters from across the world, running together, and sharing laughs made it feel like one big family gathering. Whether during the shakeout run or the marathon itself, uniting over our shared love for running was unforgettable – the highlight of our race weekend.”

• Celebrations: Following the marathon, we came together for a post-race dinner and a community beach swim the next day – celebrating both achievement and the spirit of togetherness that defined the week.

Semeena, Muslim Runners Community Lead, reflected:

“Sydney was hands down the most incredible race experience I’ve ever had — but it wasn’t just about running. It was about community, connection, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. From sharing our story on stage to running through Sydney’s streets and ending the trip on Mount Kosciuszko, I came home tired but more than that, inspired.”

A symbolic finale

To close the trip, representatives from Muslim Runners, Sydney Muslim Run Club, and Sabrina summited Mount Kosciuszko,  Australia’s highest peak. While not an official activation, it was a fitting finale: a moment of reflection, resilience, and shared pride at the end of an unforgettable week.

Looking ahead

Sydney 2025 was more than a marathon. It was a celebration of what Muslim Runners and Active Inclusion Network stand for: building inclusive communities, connecting across borders, and creating space for Muslims to feel visible and welcome in the outdoors.

This is only the beginning of our global journey, and we’re excited for what’s next.