An Oldham endurance runner known as the town’s ‘Running Man’ is taking community spirit from Greater Manchester to the global stage — after raising more than £20,000 for winter aid and preparing to travel to Uganda this Sunday.
Afruz Miah, from Oldham, led a team of 20 runners (pictured) from across the UK to take part in the Marrakesh Half and Full Marathons, turning the challenge into Global Relief Trust’s first-ever international marathon fundraiser.
The team’s efforts have raised over £20,000, with support from public donations and local and national businesses, helping to fund emergency winter aid for vulnerable families in the UK and overseas.
The funds will provide essential support including food, heating, warm clothing, and emergency supplies during the most difficult months of the year.
Afruz — widely known locally as Oldham’s ‘Running Man’ — trained alongside the group for months, mentoring first-time runners and pushing the team to see the challenge as more than a race.
Speaking on behalf of the runners, Monwar Hussain said: “This marathon was never just about running. It was about people from Oldham and across Greater Manchester coming together to do something meaningful for families who are struggling — especially during winter.”
One Oldham business sponsor added: “We were proud to support Afruz and the team. This challenge shows what’s possible when local people and businesses step up together to help others.”
Among the runners was Oldham resident Motobir Hussain, who completed his first-ever half marathon. He said: “I still can’t quite believe I finished it. "My previous best was the Manchester 10k last year, so this felt massive."
"Afruz has been mentoring me for over a year, and without that support I don’t think I’d have got there. The atmosphere in Marrakesh was unreal — the best I’ve ever experienced. Hopefully this is just the beginning.”
This Sunday, Afruz will travel to Uganda, joined by 10–12 volunteers from NUFT, where he will personally deliver aid and oversee humanitarian projects funded by the marathon effort — ensuring that donations raised in Oldham result in direct, on-the-ground impact.
Donations can still be made at: https://just-funding.com/f/runningman-238
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