From the Atlas Mountains of Morocco to the roads of London, Mahamed Mahamed has hunted high and low for marathon success.
Last year he finished second Brit behind Emile Cairess and fourth overall in the British capital in 2:07:05 to qualify for the Paris Olympics, where he struggled due to injury in 57th. This year (April 27) he was No.1 Brit home in ninth overall in 2:08:52, finishing more than two minutes ahead of the next domestic finisher, Alex Yee.
The 27-year-old prepared for London by training at altitude in Morocco but he did most of his training in the dark at 11pm after fasting all day due to Ramadan. Rather than hindering him, though, he felt such a regimen gave him a mental edge over his rivals.
“Training for a marathon and Ramadan are two different components that don’t match. The first week is challenging but the second week goes quite quick,” he says, looking back at his six-week Moroccan camp prior to London.
Mahamed Mahamed (Forte)
“I do the same training even though I’m fasting. Every kilometre – about 170 to 190km a week – and even gym work is the same. I just train at a different time of day.
“Fasting is not a barrier. It’s about discipline. You need to focus. Mentally and physically it’s not impossible. It gives me the edge.”
The only Brit who can claim be a stronger marathon man right now is Emile Cairess, who finished fourth in the Olympics in Paris but missed London this year due to injury.
Mahamed Mahamed (Forte)
Born in Ethiopia, he moved to Britain as a 14-year-old and began competing for Southampton AC with his younger brother Zak. They have both tasted success on the cross country circuit, with Mahamed winning two English National titles whereas Zak won under-23 bronze at the European Champs in 2022 behind Charles Hicks.
Mahamed adds that Zak used to either train but not fast, or fast but not train, but lately he’s started training properly while observing Ramadan.
“With his coach and support team behind him, Mo Mo has crafted a training environment built on respect, resilience, and religious rhythm,” says his management agency Forte. “It’s a powerful narrative of identity, commitment and the pursuit of excellence.”
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Mahamed also dealt with an Achilles problem during his build-up to London and said: “It was first race back since Paris and was hard out there. I felt really good until 30km but it got really hard to know when to push alone.
Mahamed Mahamed (Forte)
“To come away as being top Brit and to be in the top 10 is good. Consistency is the key and trying to keep my momentum.”
The race is on to break Mo Farah’s British record of 2:05:11, though, with Mahamed definitely in the running.
Mahamed Mahamed (LM Events)
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