Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, to a family from Gabiley, Somaliland, Farah went on to be based in London and he ran for Newham and Essex Beagles athletics club, training at St Mary's University College, Twickenham from 2001 to 2011. Farah is the European record holder for the 10,000 m, half marathon, marathon, and two miles, the British record holder for the 5000 m, the British indoor record holder for the 3000 m and the current world record holder for the one hour run and indoor world record holder for the two miles.