The 2023 Fasted 500 is Nearly Here

Photos by Simon Weller (@simon_weller)

Now in its third year, the Fasted 500 is an annual challenge created by our friend Zahir Nayani in the UK that encourages Muslim cyclists to remain active by pedaling 500 kilometers during Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the year. It’s a time of fasting from food and drink between sunrise and sunset to become closer to God and cultivate self-control, compassion, and gratitude. Many Muslims are less active to conserve energy during this month, but Zahir’s annual challenge aims to help participants keep up a reasonable level of activity to maintain their overall sense of wellbeing.

Originally inspired by Rapha’s yearly Festive 500 challenge (which also inspired our Good Night Campout), the Fasted 500 seeks to engage a broader group of casual Muslim cyclists who can find the time to ride for around an hour a day during the month of Ramadan, or about 17 kilometers per day.

There are a couple of mini competitions with prizes this year too. Participants are invited to partake in the “Most Creative Strava or Komoot Art” or “Most Inspirational Cyclist” competitions by using their route to create a picture and sharing the GPX track or nominating an inspirational muslim cyclist on Instagram. Winners will receive either a custom Mini Shazam from Wizard Works or some quality apparel from Rapha.

There’s nothing needed to get signed up, and the 2023 Fasted 500 challenge automatically begins on March 23rd and ends at the sunset before Eid Al-Fitr (likely April 22nd, making the challenge either 29 or 30 days). The end date isn’t fixed as the Islamic calendar is lunar, rather than solar, and is based on the stages of the moon’s monthly cycle. Riding fasted isn’t a requirement, and participants are welcome to get in their rides after breaking their fasts with their nightly Iftar meals if desired (just remember lights!). Likewise, there’s no need to ride outside, and a trainer is a perfectly acceptable way to fit in kilometers.

You can find complete details, read frequently asked questions, and buy a Fasted 500 patch or pin over at Fasted500.BigCartel.com. And be sure to keep up with this year’s challenge on Instagram @fasted500.

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