Osama’s journey into running began with a health wake-up call in his mid-20s. What started as a lifestyle change quickly became a passion after joining a run club in 2019, and within eight months, he completed his first marathon.

Now a sub-three-hour marathoner, Osama is driven by consistency, faith and the power of community. We caught up with him to talk about his journey and what keeps him pushing forward.

Tell us a bit about your running journey – how did it all begin?

First of all, I never ever wished to be a runner, running was so boring for me at the beginning, but then what happened was I got sick. I was diagnosed with high bad cholesterol and high blood pressure. I was insisting on getting medicine but the doctor refused. I’ll never forget that doctor and the day he refused because this would be for my lifetime and I was still so young. I was only about 26 or 27 years old. So, the doctor advised me that instead of medicine, I need to change my lifestyle. Eat healthy food and do cardio five times a week. It was then I met someone while I was doing cardio in the gym who introduced me to a run community. He kept convincing me to join, but I was actually not into running. Eventually I joined one of the running club sessions. It was Nike Club back in the beginning of 2019. In the beginning, I didn't really like running. I was struggling a bit, but step-by-step I got addicted and I came to know ‘don't judge a book by its cover’ because I got so addicted. I was after about eight months of being runner that I finished my first full marathon on December 6, 2019.

What does running mean to you personally?

Running means life, running means everything, running is stressless, running as a hassle free, running is a therapy.

What’s been your proudest running achievement so far?

Two races I would say. My first ever full marathon, that was the very proudest moment and event for me because I felt so proud of myself mentally and physically. The second would be a recent full marathon which I finished in sub three hours. I'm so proud about it because it took me seven years to finish it in sub three hours.

How do you approach motivation – especially on tough days?

I always just remember when I was sick and how running changed my life so this is how I approach motivation.

What does your typical training week look like?

I run basically between four to five times a week and then one day I’ll do a strength work out and then one day rest.

How do you prepare before a big race – mentally and physically?

I love this question. I just pray first of all. I do my normal five times prayer and I do a lot of mobility on my yoga mat plus carb loading and hydration. I always hope to do a new personal best, I like to compete with myself.

What’s your number one tip for runners looking to improve performance?

I would say consistency. Consistency is the key.

What’s your go-to recovery routine after a long run or race?

I would say stretching. Stretching is the best way to recover. Do some mobility. Do some foam rolling. If you can, do an ice bath. Especially after a longer distance race like half marathon or a full marathon.

When things get tough mid-race, what keeps you pushing forward?

I really love this question. Sometimes it’s mentality, especially in longer distances like a full marathon or half marathon, but what keeps me pushing forward is that I always promise myself I will not waste this late night workout or early morning, so I keep pushing forward to make myself proud so all this training does not go to waste.

How has the running community impacted your journey?

I would advise anyone who is beginner or would like to start their running journey to join any running community because they’re very supportive, they are very motivated, they are energetic, smiley, friendly, so you will never run alone. They will always run next to you and advise you. A running community is the best way to start your running journey.

What do you think makes the UAE running scene unique?

I would say the running communities, the running clubs and the running tracks and parks. The UAE facilities are the best to be fair. Everyone gets so motivated. There are a lot of running tracks and cycling tracks all for free in parks in Dubai, as well as many beaches to practice swimming, so what else do you need? Amazing vibes, amazing people, that's why the UAE is very unique when it comes to sports and running.

What advice would you give to someone starting their running journey?

I’d say they should start with a running community, and forget about time or pace, just stay consistent at the beginning. Start easy and trust in the process. Don’t rush anything and don't compare yourself with others, it's always just you versus you. Stay consistent. Don't give up at the beginning. It will be hard like it was for all of us at the beginning, but step-by-step we all got addicted.

What’s your must-have piece of running gear or tech?

It's definitely a good pair of running shoes that fit well and give all the support.

What are your running goals for the year ahead?

My running goal I have actually achieved so far, which was sub three hours in the Dubai Marathon. I hope to make one major Marathon this year, but I will keep the rest confidential.

What excites you most about The Run Show coming to Dubai?

I'm so excited, it's an amazing opportunity where we can all as runners connect with each other as well as all the Running Clubs and Ambassadors. I'm sure it will be fun and I'm so excited to be an Ambassador for The Run Show 2026 and I cannot wait to see everyone this October.

Focused, committed, and fuelled by community spirit, Osama embodies what the UAE running scene is all about. As he looks ahead to new challenges and another big year of racing, we’re proud to have him on The Run Show team and can’t wait to see him inspiring the community at show this October.