Running inspector takes inspiration from Muhammad Ali

18 January 2024

A West Midlands Police Federation member is taking inspiration from Muhammad Ali and others who have had Parkinson’s disease as he prepares for his first half marathon.

Inspector Adhnan Afzal is taking part in the Marrakesh Half Marathon in the Moroccan city on 28 January.

He is doing it in support of Parkinson’s UK and to raise awareness about the disease.

And he said that one of his inspirations is Ali, the three-time heavyweight boxing champion who was one of the world’s most well-known and most loved sportspeople who died from the disease in 2016.

Inspector Adhnan Afzal.

Adhnan said: “Although Parkinson’s disease doesn’t affect me at a personal level, I’ve seen the impact it’s had on people.

“I’m a big boxing fan and Muhammad Ali had it. His strength, resilience, and determination have inspired countless individuals around the world.”

He added: “As I embarked on this journey, I found inspiration in Ali's legacy and the countless others who face the daily challenges of Parkinson’s.

“While this may be my first-ever running event, I am fuelled by the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those who need our support.

“Parkinson’s UK is a charity that works tirelessly towards improving the lives of individuals living with Parkinson's disease.”

Adhnan, partnerships inspector at Birmingham local policing area, will join 12,000 other runners who will be taking part in either the Marrakesh Half Marathon or Marathon that day.

“It’s my first ever running event and I thought I’d like to do it in a different location, and Marrakesh was first on the list,” he explained.

Organisers describe the Marrakesh Marathon as among the most prestigious in the world. Runners complete a lap of the city that takes them alongside its 12th-Century ramparts, through the Menara gardens, and on dusty roads lined with palm trees.

Adhnan, who has been an officer with West Midlands Police for more than 20 years, said: “It’s going to be different but I'm really looking forward to it.

“It starts at 9am but it will be about 20C when we’re running, which sounds nice but the weather here has been inclement so my training has been in the cold and the wet.

“Mentally I’ve factored the temperature in, it’s just physically how I adapt to it. Hopefully you get swept along by the occasion and it'll be fine.”

Adhnan has set up a JustGiving page for members who would like to support him.