Four Khojas from Stanmore Jafferys, an athletic group linked to The KSIMC of London, participated in the Tokyo Marathon, held on March 3rd in Tokyo, Japan.
What is Stanmore Jafferys?
Stanmore Jafferys, often referred to by its initials’ SJ’, is a community-based sports organisation affiliated with The KSIMC of London in Stanmore. With a membership exceeding 1,000 individuals, SJ offers opportunities for participation in various sports for both men and women of all ages.
In response to the underrepresentation of running within its activities, SJ introduced running as a new component to its portfolio in 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This initiative led to the establishment of SJ Running, aimed at providing a safe and supportive environment for SJ members interested in incorporating running into their daily routines. Since its inception, SJ Running has assisted over 100 individuals in completing half marathons. Continuing its dedication to running, this year, four members of SJ Running took part in the Tokyo Marathon held on March 3rd.
What is the Tokyo Marathon?
The Tokyo Marathon is an annual sporting event held in Tokyo, Japan, renowned as one of the six prestigious World Marathon Majors alongside London, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, and New York. Established in 2007, it boasts a coveted World Athletics Platinum Label.
Like all marathons, the course covers a distance of 42.2km (or 26.2 miles). While the top three male and female finishers are awarded prize money, the event is primarily focused on mass participation, with participants running for personal enjoyment and striving to achieve their own goals against the clock.
This year, the Tokyo Marathon saw a staggering turnout of 38,000 participants, with 30,000 hailing from Japan and approximately 8,000 representing various countries worldwide.
Meet the Four Participating Runners:
The following are the four dedicated runners from London who represented SJ Running in the marathon. Please read below to find out more about these athletic individuals.
Br Ali Momin: Ali Momin is a 42-year-old father of three, employed in the healthcare charity sector. Five years ago, he discovered the transformative power of running, which has since become a cornerstone of his life. In 2020, Ali co-founded SJ Running with his friend Ariff Sidik, a project he holds dear. Currently, he serves as the Secretary for SJ, channelling his passion for running into community engagement and organisation.
Br Sajjad Kassamali: A 39-year-old father of four, Sajjad is a chartered accountant practitioner. Delving into running in early 2020, he found a passion that has since become an integral part of his life. The Tokyo Marathon marked his third marathon, following successful completion of the London and Berlin marathons in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Beyond running, Sajjad is an enthusiastic supporter of most of the sports involving a ball.
Br Alireza Datoo: Alireza Datoo, a 36-year-old Architectural Designer and a proud father of two, has been immersed in long-distance running since the age of 15 when he completed his first 10K race. A decade later, he conquered his first marathon, igniting a passion that has persisted ever since. With eight marathons under his belt, including the iconic Tokyo Marathon, Alireza’s dedication to running is undeniable. However, his pursuits extend beyond the pavement. When he’s not lacing up his running shoes, you can find him on the football field or hockey pitch getting his adrenaline fix.
Alireza’s interests don’t end there. During his leisure time, he indulges his creative side by crafting personalised Islamic artwork. Each piece is infused with meaning and beauty, reflecting his deep connection to his faith and his penchant for artistic expression.
Br Ali Panju: A 39-year-old father of three, Ali works as a Product Manager in the Blockchain industry. Undertaking running as a serious pursuit during the lockdowns in the UK in 2020, Ali’s journey began with ParkRuns (a weekly 5km event held in parks worldwide), runs with the SJ Running group, half marathons, and now conquering marathons.
Tokyo 2024 marked Ali’s third marathon, solidifying his participation in three of the six World Majors. Previously holding the position of vice-chairman at Stanmore Jafferys, his commitment to community involvement is evident. Beyond his running endeavours, Ali finds enjoyment in playing badminton, showcasing his diverse interests and active lifestyle.
What was the driving force behind their participation in the Tokyo Marathon?
As their enthusiasm and dedication to running have flourished in recent years, these four members have embarked on a mission to conquer as many, if not all, of the six World Major Marathons. For one of them, Tokyo 2024 marked the completion of his fifth World Major Marathon, while for the other three, it was their third.
While in conversation with our team, Br Ali Panju commented, “In 2025, the Tokyo Marathon will be during the month of Ramadhan, and so 2024 was the final chance in a while to complete it without fasting! It was also a great opportunity to visit and travel around a country that has a lot of history and is steeped in culture and tradition.”
All four members were honoured with a medal celebrating their completion of the marathon.
The Khoja News Team extends heartfelt congratulations to these four members of SJ Running on their remarkable achievement. We encourage our readers to include sports activities in their lifestyles for enhanced health and well-being.
