by An asylum seeker who has become Elite Marathon Runner was given free of charge to the Halstead marathon after being his “lifebooking buoy”.
Mohammed Elbayan, who arrived in the United Kingdom of Chad in November 2018, spent more than five years in the asylum system before undergoing a discretionary authorization to stay.
He now lives in Colchester and is a member of the Colchester Harriers Running Club.
Despite the challenges he faced, Mohammed, 25, has put his energy to run, which turns out to be a devoted and ambitious athlete.
With a minimum training, he amazed everyone by finishing the London marathon in 2 hours and 31 minutes in 2021 – so quickly that he had to be taken in a wheelchair to the finish line due to exhaustion.
Since then, his progress has been remarkable.
He returned to London in 2022, improving at two o’clock, 28 minutes and 2024, he ran two hours and 24 minutes away.
Mohammed is an elite marathon runner (Image: Halstead Roadrunners Marathon Committee)
In training up to 150 miles per week, it now aims to improve more.
One of the biggest challenges to which Mohammed is financial.
Living on only £ 50 per week of his home office allowance, he finds it difficult to afford essential racing equipment, entry fees and trips.
Despite these obstacles, he remains focused on his goals.
Recently, Mohammed participated in the Colchester Half Marathon, where he obtained a free entry.
He finished in an impressive hour and 10 minutes, leading to the race until Mile 10.
However, fasting for Ramadan has presented an important challenge.
Unable to eat or drink during the race due to observance, Mohammed became dehydrated and finally finished in fifth place.
The next step for Mohammed is the Manchester marathon on April 27, where he received a VIP entrance
Its inspiring history has drawn the attention of the local community.
He now also targets the record for the course of the Halstead marathon of two hours 29 minutes and 58 seconds, despite his notoriously hilly land.
Mohammed Elbayan, 25, is a refugee from Chad, in Central Africa (Image: Public)
In a similar support demonstration, the organizers of the Halstead marathon donated a place of race in Mohammed after hearing his history through his social worker in Rama.
Its inspiring history has drawn the attention of the local community.
The Kings Head pub at Pebmarsh promised £ 120 to a charity of Mohammed’s Choice.
An advertising spokesperson said: “We wanted to show our support for the race and, after hearing the story of Mohammed, we were eager to help. Money will go to his charitable organization chosen.”
Mohammed previously declared to the Gazette: “I feel positive; I train hard. I train at a level similar to elite athletes.
“If someone wants to sponsor me to make racing equipment, it would be so appreciated.”
