A Blackburn man has successfully completed a marathon while fasting in Ramadan, meaning he couldn’t have any food or water throughout or for hours afterwards.

Raja Aslam took on the Manchester Marathon on Sunday, April 16 and successfully ran the entire 26.2 mile race without a drop of water or an energy gel.

The 35-year-old said the experience was going well until the effects of dehydration began to kick in at the 15-mile mark.

Raja, who had already completed five marathons, said: “It went really well right up until dehydration kicked it around mile 15. I do blame myself for this.

“The marathon organisers got in touch with me and said I could start the race earlier with the fast runners.

Lancashire Telegraph: Raja Aslam Raja Aslam (Image: Raja Aslam)

“This meant I kept pace with them and ran the first half faster than I should have when I should have been taking the challenges at a slower pace.

“At around 15 miles my body started to feel floppy and I had a bit of a dizzy spell, which was when I knew I needed to slow things down before I seriously damaged my body.”

Raja said the support from the crown spurred him on.

He said: “Along the route a lot of runners recognised me from Facebook and running groups.

“They cheered me on, high-fived me and had a lot or respect for what I was doing.

“I managed to finish it in just over five hours, with a combination of jogging and running.

“I wasn’t aiming for a specific time. I just wanted to complete it and test my mental ability.”

When the marathon ended, the challenge wasn’t over for Raja who then had to wait a further five hours until sunset before he could eat or drink.

He said: “When I broke my fast I really struggled to drink straight away as my throat was so dry. That first hour was a struggle.”

Raja said the challenge has taught him a lot about his own mental ability but says he is not likely to attempt it again.

He said: “I wouldn’t try this at marathon distance again. For now, I will be focusing more on shorter distance runs.

“It has taught me that anything can be done if you put your mind to it. It’s all about mind over matter.

“When you set a goal you need to believe in yourself. It will be so rewarding afterwards.”

Thanks to the challenge Raja has currently raised £2,867 for Abu Faisal Trust, a charity that is fundraising for the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

He is hoping to hit the £3,000 mark and is still accepting donations.

To donate to Raja’s fundraiser visit: www.justgiving.com.