Minister ‘appalled’ at Muslim charity run in London that excluded women

Runners taking part in the charity event in Victoria Park, east London. Photograph: London News Pictures

The communities secretary has said it was “absolutely unacceptable” for women to be excluded from taking part in a Muslim charity run in London.

The event on Sunday, in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, was advertised on the Muslim Charity Run website as an “inclusive 5km race” for “runners and supporters of all ages and abilities” – open to “men, boys of all ages and girls under 12”.