The pair, who now live and train in the UK, will be taking on the 26.2 mile course in the German capital
Seyfu Jamaal and Kader Seyed, two former refugees that have now found home in the UK, will be competing at this Sunday’s Berlin Marathon (September 29).
Jamaal and Seyed started their running journeys when they arrived in the country, in 2018 and 2020 respectively, and have developed well in the sport.
With respective personal marathon bests of 2:19:39 and 2:22:44, the duo have been awarded elite places in the German capital.
Jamaal has a strong background in cross-country and on the track, making his time of of 2:19:39 – recorded on debut over 26.2 miles at last year’s Berlin Marathon – even more impressive.
This season he also won the London Landmarks 10km in 29:41, finished second behind Jack Rowe at the recent Vitality London 10,000, placed fourth at The Big Half and finished eighth at The Great North Run.
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His other personal bests are 13:58 for 5km, 29:12 for 10km and 63:34 for the half-marathon.
Seyed began his running journey in late 2022, quickly becoming one of the UK’s top performers in the U23 age group. Despite running for less than two years, 2024 has been a breakout year for the 21-year-old.
As well as his 2:22:44 in the marathon, he’s also achieved a best of 15:32 for 5km, 31:51 in the 10km and 67:43 over 13.1 miles.
Notable 2024 races include a 25th place finish at the London Marathon, an 18th place at the Cambridge Half Marathon and a fourth place finish at the Fred Hughes 10 Miler.
Their stories provide hope to refugees across the country and reinforce the power of sport in bringing people together and improving lives.
Seyfu Jamaal and Kader Seyed (The Refugee Run Club)
The duo are both part of The Refugee Run Club, which exists to support refugees and asylum seekers by creating localised running communities across the country.
Research shows that one in five refugees experience mental health issues and the charity uses the power of running to give refugees a sense of belonging, community and support as well as an opportunity to get out and exercise.
As former refugees living in the UK, both Sefyu and Kader can relate to the runners being supported by the charity, having overcome vast challenges to compete at the highest level. They now play an ambassadorial role, inspiring runners as role models within the club.
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