Running with Purpose: Ahhad’s fundraising journey with USA for UNHCR

USA for UNHCR sat down with Ahhad Iqbal, a Southern California native and passionate advocate for humanitarian causes, to learn what inspired him to run and fundraise for refugees. Ahhad is training to run his third marathon supporting refugees (the TCS Sydney Marathon) and previously ran the TCS NYC Marathon and the BMW Berlin Marathon with USA for UNHCR. His journey—rooted in service, faith and personal growth—has taken him from local volunteer efforts to the global stage of marathon running. 

What inspired you to run with USA for UNHCR and start fundraising for refugees? 

I’ve been involved in nonprofit work and community service for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Southern California, volunteering was just something that was part of my life. In middle school, I was already packing food and helping at fundraising galas. It was a way to practice my faith beyond just being kind—it was about actively working to make the world a better place. 

That commitment has followed me through my education, career, friendships—really, every aspect of my life. I currently work at a community clinic in Los Angeles. We provide care to over 9,000 patients regardless of their ability to pay, guided by the belief in healthcare for all. 

Running and fundraising with USA for UNHCR felt like a natural extension of those values. I’ve always admired UNHCR’s work, and when I was looking for ways to challenge myself physically while giving back, it seemed like the perfect fit. 

What got you into running in the first place? 

It actually started after I graduated. Suddenly, I had all this free time—no classes, no papers to write. My roommate at the time was super active—surfing, running, skateboarding—and I found myself wanting to be part of that lifestyle. Living in Santa Monica, it felt like everyone had some kind of fitness hobby, so I thought, Why not me? 

What began as a way to get healthier quickly became something more. I trained for my first marathon just to prove I could do it. Crossing that finish line was an incredible feeling, and it got me thinking about bigger goals. 

How did the connection with USA for UNHCR and the New York Marathon come about? 

After my first marathon, I set my sights on the New York Marathon. I entered the general lottery but didn’t get in, so I started looking into charity entries. USA for UNHCR popped up, and it immediately resonated with me. 

I’ve followed UNHCR for years and always respected their work. I’ve even joked that working for a UN agency is on my bucket list. Plus, I’m a big Last Week Tonight with John Oliver fan, and he’s covered refugee crises extensively—UNHCR is a name that kept coming up. Supporting their mission felt right, so I signed up to fundraise for them while training for New York. 

How has your Muslim faith impacted your fundraising efforts? 

My faith is central to everything I do, including my fundraising. Islam teaches us about the importance of giving back and taking care of those in need, and that principle has guided me throughout this journey. Fundraising for refugees—people who have lost their homes, livelihoods and stability—feels like a direct way to live out those values. 

One way I’ve been able to meet my fundraising goals is by leveraging zakat, which is a form of obligatory charity in Islam. A portion of zakat can be used to help displaced people, and many of my donors—especially those in the Muslim community—found it meaningful to direct their zakat toward supporting refugees through UNHCR. 

When I started explaining how their contributions could both fulfill a religious obligation and make a tangible impact, it resonated with a lot of people. It’s been incredible to see how faith-based giving can create a ripple effect of generosity and awareness. 

Was running always about health for you, or did it evolve into something bigger? 

Initially, it was just about getting healthy. But once I ran my first marathon, I realized I could use running as a platform to support causes I care about. That’s what made the New York Marathon and my partnership with USA for UNHCR so meaningful—it wasn’t just about me anymore. 

Running became a way to turn my personal goals into something that could help others. Every mile I ran felt like a step toward making a difference. 

You mentioned bigger goals—can you tell us more about those? 

After completing the New York Marathon, I learned about the Abbott World Marathon Majors, which includes six of the biggest marathons in the world. At the time, I found out that only six or seven people of Pakistani heritage had completed all six. Even though I’m American, knowing so few people with my roots had achieved that really motivated me. 

Now, the series is expanding to nine marathons, but I’m determined to finish them all and earn that Six Star Medal. It’s about personal pride, sure, but it’s also about representing my community and showing that people like me can be part of that achievement. 

What has fundraising for USA for UNHCR taught you? 

It’s been incredibly humbling. I think a lot of people want to help but don’t always know how. Fundraising gave my friends and family a way to get involved in something bigger. Seeing people rally around a cause like refugee support has been inspiring. 

The work UNHCR does—providing shelter, food and safety to millions of displaced people—is vital. Knowing that my running journey contributes to that mission makes every early morning run and sore muscle worth it. 

What would you say to someone considering running for a cause? 

Do it. Seriously, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can experience. Running is already a personal journey—you push through mental and physical barriers—but doing it for a cause amplifies the meaning. You’re not just running for yourself; you’re running for people who need support. 

And you don’t have to be an elite athlete. I started from scratch—just a guy wanting to get healthier. Now, I’m chasing the Abbott World Marathon Majors and fundraising for an organization I deeply believe in. Everyone’s journey starts somewhere. 

What keeps you motivated when the training gets tough? 

A mix of things. I think about the people I’m running for—refugees facing unimaginable hardships—and that puts my temporary discomfort in perspective. I think about my family, my community and the example I want to set. 

And honestly, I think about that Six Star Medal! (Laughs) Big goals keep me going. But mostly, it’s knowing that this journey is about more than me—it’s about contributing to something larger. 

Final thoughts? 

I never imagined that picking up running would lead to so many opportunities—for growth, for connection, and for impact. Supporting USA for UNHCR has been one of the most fulfilling parts of that journey. If you’re thinking about combining a personal goal with a greater purpose, take that step. You never know where it might lead. 

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. 

How to Help

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, supports refugees who have been forced to flee violence, war and persecution. Our donors help refugees in their greatest time of need with shelter, food, water and medical care, and their support builds awareness for resettled refugees living in the U.S. With your help, more refugees will have the opportunity to build peaceful lives and give their families a bright future.