One of the most remarkable and rewarding experiences in my career has been the privilege of meeting and working with a group of ladies in Birmingham. From a mainly Muslim background and certainly not runners, I worked with their remarkable community leader Naseem Akthar to motivate, inspire and encourage them to take part in a half marathon.
It involved a lot of listening and learning, to try and comprehend the physical and cultural challenges they faced, but the rewards were incredible. To see the 17 ladies crossing the finish line, their faces a picture of joy and achievement, was an image I will never forget.
It was a story that captured the imagination of so many, including the national and regional media who celebrated their achievements. And it opened the eyes of many more people… the Great Birmingham 10k is now regarded as the most culturally diverse mass participation running event in the UK.
