Runner hails offside rule for flagging his talent

A keen marathon runner said he realised how fast he was after regularly finding himself drifting offside while playing football.

Mohammed Elbayan took up sport as a means of learning English after seeking asylum in the UK in 2018.

The 25-year-old now runs 20 miles (32km) a day after his passion for speed inspired him to join a running club in Colchester.

"I don't know what pace I run, I just like running," Mr Elbayan told BBC Essex Sport Extra.

Since living in the UK, he has competed in three consecutive London Marathons - finishing in 42nd place last year with a time of two hours and 24 minutes.

He dreams of rising up the ranks and making a name on the international stage, but said it did not come without challenges.

"You need to have a sponsor, nutritionist, diet, food - this all makes a difference," he said.

"This is the stuff I can't afford, so it's quite difficult but I'm enjoying it."

Mr Elbayan, who is originally from Chad, said taking part in sport had allowed him to build relationships and learn English.

"When I came to the UK for the first time, my English was not great," he said.

"I thought let me do some sport maybe to improve my English and communicate with people."

Mr Elbayan said he began to realise his faster than average speed when the linesman kept catching him offside during football matches.

He added: "After that I had some of my friends tell me I'm very fast, maybe I should try running."

The runner gave up football in 2021 and joined Colchester Harriers Athletics Club, training with them on Tuesday evenings.

For now, Mr Elbayan's next challenge is the Manchester Marathon on 27 April.

"I will make Essex proud and Colchester proud," he added.

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