Can Muslims run a marathon?
Yes. Muslims can run marathons, half marathons and any other race. Running is healthy, and the Prophet ﷺ himself raced. You just need to plan for prayer on race day, wear modest kit, and think carefully about races that fall in Ramadan.
Running in the sunnah
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said she raced the Prophet ﷺ on a journey and won, and that when they raced again years later he won (Sunan Abi Dawud 2578, graded sahih). Looking after your body is part of faith: he taught that "your body has a right over you" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5199). Training for a big goal like a marathon can build discipline that carries over into your worship.
Prayer on race day
Big city marathons like London, New York, Chicago and Berlin start early in the morning and can last several hours.
- Fajr: Pray it before you leave for the start; it's usually well before the gun.
- Dhuhr: Most runners finish before or soon after Dhuhr begins. If not, pray it as soon as you're done, while its time is still in.
- Wudu: If you make wudu before the race and wear socks over it, you can wipe over them later instead of washing your feet. See Do I have to take off my socks every time I make wudu?
- Combining: If you've traveled to another city for the race, the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools allow combining Dhuhr and Asr as a traveler (the Hanafi school doesn't). If you're running at home, ask your imam about your situation.
Races in Ramadan
A spring marathon can fall in Ramadan, depending on the year. Running 26.2 miles while fasting is very risky because of dehydration and heat. Allah tells us He "intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship" (Quran 2:185), and the Quran warns against throwing yourself into destruction (Quran 2:195).
Most scholars advise one of these: defer your place to a later race, run a shorter distance, or, if you're traveling for the race, use the traveler's permission not to fast that day and make it up later. Easy training runs while fasting are fine for many people, best done close to iftar, but talk to your doctor first. See Can I exercise while fasting in Ramadan?
Kit and charity runs
Men should cover from the navel to the knee, so choose longer running shorts or tights. See Can I still wear shorts to the gym as a Muslim? Women can run in long tops, leggings and a breathable sports hijab.
Many people run for a charity. Fundraising for a good cause is a lovely form of sadaqah. Just check that the charity's work is something you're comfortable supporting, and avoid raffles or prize draws, which can count as gambling.
- Running a marathon is allowed and healthy.
- Pray Fajr before the start and Dhuhr on time after the finish.
- Avoid racing while fasting; defer, shorten or use the traveler's permission.
- Wear modest kit and pick charity runs with care.
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