Faziela Harris Davids shares her experience with 021FOCUS, exploring the unique blend of fitness and faith in Cape Town’s Ramadan Night Runs.
Ramadaan is the most beautiful time of year for those of the Islamic faith, and it’s especially vibrant in Cape Town, where a large percentage of Muslims reside. Being Cape Malay, there are familiar smells that bring on the spirit of Ramadaan—samoosas sizzling in the fryer, buttery golden pastry flaking in the oven, or the decadent aroma of cinnamon in a pot of boeber. On the flip side, being a runner has meant pushing my training to the back burner, as time just flies when fasting and preparing meals for my family.
That’s when I came across a TikTok post by Ashraf Orrie, fondly known as Mr O in Cape Town for hosting amazing training runs for upcoming marathons. He organizes the Ramadan Night Runs, a series of runs that take place after Taraweeh (late-night) prayers. Intrigued, I reached out to Ashraf to find out more.
What time do you typically schedule your running events during Ramadan to accommodate participants who are fasting during the day?
We normally start our runs at about 10 pm, as most mosques complete Taraweeh around 9:45 pm. Cape Town is small, which allows about 15 minutes for runners to get from most mosques to our starting point.
How do you ensure the night runs are still appealing to participants, given the unique atmosphere of Ramadan?
Running has become a lifestyle in Cape Town, and the youth here are very deen (faith)-conscious, which makes me incredibly proud. Our runs are appealing and inclusive—not limited to any one religion. People of all faiths, races, ages, and fitness levels are welcome, creating a strong sense of community.
I believe our runs will remain popular as long as we prioritize our duties as Muslims first.
Do you modify the route or event formats during Ramadan to create a special experience for participants?
Cape Town runners are hardcore, and most training is goal-driven. This year, many are preparing for the Two Oceans Marathon, which takes place just four to five days after Eid.
We do modify distances and pace during Ramadan, making training less rigorous than outside of the fasting month. Since Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) is only a few hours after our night run, we keep that in mind—many participants are students, professionals, or academics who have work or university the next day.
Are there any special considerations or services provided post-run, such as iftar snacks or drinks?
Yes! We are fortunate to have incredible sponsors who support us:
- Steri Stumpie, Dollie Licks, Wembley Foods, and Polar Ice Cream provide post-run drinks and treats.
- GU Energy sponsors on-route nutrition.
- Ice-cold watermelon (if in season) awaits runners at the finish line.
We also have several partner venues that accommodate us with Ramadan specials, including:
- Vida Imam Haron extends its trading hours until the last runner leaves.
- Primi offers Ramadan promotions on weekends.
- Grande Café Kenilworth provides a safe venue, parking, and extended trading hours.
- Access Park Food Truck Village stays open late for our runners.
- Kauai has always been a great supporter.
- Wembley Roadhouse hosts us for the famous 15th Ramadan ‘Oppie Berg Run’ on Signal Hill and Table Mountain.
All our partners go the extra mile to make these runs feel as festive as possible.
How do you address the different energy levels and stamina of participants after a day of fasting?
We accommodate all fitness levels with different pace groups and distances. If you’ve had a tough fasting day, you can opt for a slower, shorter run. If you’re feeling great after breaking your fast, you can join a faster, longer-distance group.
Do you offer any special promotions or incentives for runners during Ramadan?
There are always incentives—if you know Mr O, you’ll know there’s something special in store!
How do you promote a sense of community during your night runs?
You have to experience it to understand it! Just pop in at one of our runs, and you’ll see how all religions and races come together to observe and respect the beautiful month of Ramadan.
What safety measures are in place, considering fasting participants may have limited energy reserves?
Safety is a priority. We ensure:
- Runners stick to groups and wait for the last person in their group.
- Everyone runs with headlamps.
- Routes are carefully planned with road conditions and lighting in mind.
- Aid stations provide refreshments and assistance, especially during our longer Friday and Saturday runs.
How do you encourage participants to balance their fitness goals with their spiritual practices?
Our training runs are structured around our religious obligations first. Cape Town’s Muslim runners and friends understand my goal—to create a healthy body and mind to better fulfill spiritual duties.
Cape Town remains deeply connected to its religious customs, and for us, faith always comes first. We train not just for fitness but to strengthen our ability to carry out our obligations with energy and dedication.
Follow Mr O to join the Ramadan Night Runs:
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Photo credits: Tania Robbertze
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