Few running journeys begin with a single act of kindness – but for Ghani Soulymane, giving up his bus ticket in Lagos and running home instead was the moment everything changed. What started as chance has since evolved into a remarkable path of discipline, endurance and community, taking him from the streets of Nigeria to the heart of the UAE’s thriving running scene.
Now an influential figure within the community, a coach, and an endurance athlete who recently completed 100 consecutive days of T100 triathlon distance, he embodies the resilience and purpose that define the spirit of The Run Show. In this Ambassador Spotlight, we dive into the mindset, motivations and milestones that have shaped his journey – and the powerful “why” that keeps him moving forward.
- Tell us a bit about your running journey – how did it all begin?
My running began the day I gave my bus ticket away to an old woman and then ran home. That was in Lagos, Nigeria back in 2016. But I didn't really take it seriously until I moved to Dubai in 2017. Then one day I came to work at RAK courts, and I was reading a magazine about the RAK half marathon, in which the starting line was just in front of our office. I was motivated by the atmosphere and the crowd, so I decided to join the race the following year and started training myself for it. That is when I decided to join Adidas Runners Dubai which was just getting started. So, I started to travel from RAK to Dubai on a two-hour bus trip to train for an hour with Adidas Runners, then travel back again. Sometimes I would spend the night at Kite Beach or in the mosque just to attend the next day morning session before going back to RAK.
- What does running mean to you personally?
Personally, running is therapy for me, it's my way to spend time with myself, it's where I found peace, it's my meditation time, and it's where I get answers to my life questions. Most of time I listen to broadcasts, interviews and anything motivational.
- What’s been your proudest running achievement so far?
My proudest running achievement so far will be my recent 100 consecutive days of 100 x T100 triathlon distance.
- How do you approach motivation – especially on tough days?
On tough days, I always remind myself of where I am coming from and where I want to go, what legacy I want to leave, what is my purpose on this earth, so I go back to my cookie jar.
- What does your typical training week look like?
A typical training week for me will look like something like this:
When not preparing for any challenge: 3.00am wake up, self-training, coaching, working, then rest (less mileage).
When preparing for a challenge: 3.00am wake up, self-training, coaching, working, evening trainings and rest (more mileage).
- How do you prepare before a big race – mentally and physically?
Before a big race, mentally I envisage myself dealing with the pain at certain miles, so when that happens during the race I am not surprised. Physically, I do a lot of strength training to set my body up ready to handle the race.
- What’s your number one tip for runners looking to improve performance?
My number one tip for runners looking to improve performance is coaching. Getting a coach makes a big different, all elite runners performing at high levels have a coach.
- What’s your go-to recovery routine after a long run or race?
My go-to recovery routine after a long run or a race is sport massage (the Recovery Code).
- What’s the biggest lesson running has taught you about life?
The biggest lesson running has taught me about life is to keep going, to believe in yourself and to surround yourself with intentionally good people.
- How do you balance discipline and enjoyment in your training?
For me discipline is not negotiable, to achieve great things you have to be very disciplined – of course you have to enjoy the process and love what you do.
- When things get tough mid-race, what keeps you pushing forward?
What keeps me pushing when things get tough is my BIG why, and also to see how much my body can handle.
- Do you believe running is more physical or mental?
For me running is both, mental and physical 50/50, you can be mentally strong if you are physically unfit, but you will crash during the event.
- How has the running community impacted your journey?
Without the community I wouldn't be where I am today. The support, the encouragement and the aid from the community has been insane and given me more power.
- What do you think makes the UAE running scene unique?
What makes the UAE running scene unique is the unity, the love and the support from each other.
- What advice would you give to someone just joining a run club for the first time?
For someone joining a run club for the first time, I would advise them to enjoy and make new connections.
- What’s your must-have piece of running gear or tech?
My must have piece of running gear is short.
- How has technology (like wearables or apps) changed your approach to training?
Nowadays, training gets better with new equipment, apps and all this allows us to understand well how the human body works and how to train better for good performance.
- Who inspires you most in the running world?
In the running world I have been inspired by David Goggins and Eliud Kipchoge.
- What are your running goals for the year ahead?
My running goals for the year ahead are very straightforward: I want to finish my six Marathon Majors. I have done three of them and only have the US marathons to accomplish – Boston, New York and Chicago – so I am looking for sponsors to get the bibs.
- What excites you most about The Run Show coming to Dubai?
The Run Show coming to Dubai is exciting for me because it’s such a great initiative which aligns with what I stand for – using sports to unify all the communities in one place, to create meaningful connections, a place where runners will be empowered with knowledge, innovations and the latest technologies, leading runners to better performance. It’s really exciting and I couldn't be more proud to be part of it.
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As his story shows, running is far more than miles and metrics – it’s mindset, community, purpose and possibility. From sleeping on Kite Beach to make training sessions, to chasing the final three Marathon Majors, to championing unity in the UAE running scene, Ghani continues to inspire through action, not just words.
We’re proud to have him as part of The Run Show, where runners, brands and communities come together under one roof to learn, connect and push the sport forward.
Ghani is supporting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with his T100 x 100 attempt. You can donate to this cause here.
Meet Ghani at The Run Show and discover the energy shaping the region’s running culture.