Meet Manal Rostom, a Dubai-based marathoner with a simple message for anyone thinking about getting into running: ignore everything you see online and just go. We caught up with her ahead of her appearance at The Run Show to hear more about her journey, her training, and her next challenge.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I'm a marathon runner, mountaineer and personal trainer based in Dubai. I'm Nike's first Hijabi athlete and ambassador, and in 2023 I became the first Egyptian woman to complete all six World Marathon Majors. I also founded Surviving Hijab, a women's-only Facebook community of over a million members focused on empowering women who wear the hijab.
How did you get into running?
I loved track and field growing up and always thought athletics for girls made them so cool. I signed up for 100m, 400m & 800m races back in high school and got hooked. When I first won my 400m race in high school, age 14, coming first, I knew running would be a part of me forever.
What does your current training look like?
As an over 40 athlete, I'm focussing more on strength training at the moment combined with 1 long run a week, 1 tempo and 1 interval.
What's the race or achievement you're most proud of and why?
I’m the first Egyptian woman to complete the 6 world marathon majors – a goal I worked really hard for and fought for, for 5 years. Sidelined by injuries and COVID, we made it. I finished in Tokyo in 2023 and I remember it was the most meaningful race. I wasn’t running, I was racing. Best day of my life.
What’s your must-have piece of running gear or tech?
My apple watch and my Nike Alphas for race day
What would you tell a runner who is just starting out?
Please don’t believe what you see online. There’s so much BS right now. People flaunting pace and distance and running is just about celebrating life and health. It’s the cheapest form of sport – put on a pair of shoes and just get out there. So many apps to help you get started.
What are you working on or focused on at the moment?
I’m working towards completing my 7-summits challenge. Running is a part of it for endurance but mainly training for mountains.
One thing most people don't know about you?
I have 3 audio guided runs on the nike running app, in my voice, and I’m the first Arab worldwide to be ever featured on the app.
