Active Fitness Community has grown from a shared idea into one of Dubai's most welcoming running collectives. Co-founders Hazel Piz Pastrana and Nasar Husain launched AFC in September 2020 with a simple but powerful belief: that fitness is for everyone. Nearly five years on, close to 1,000 members strong, the club is proof that when you build something inclusive, people show up.
Tell us a bit about your club – when did it start and what inspired its creation?
The Active Fitness Community (AFC) was founded on September 7, 2020, by Hazel Piz Pastrana and Nasar Husain. AFC is a vibrant and inclusive community that welcomes individuals from all walks of life who share a common passion for fitness and well-being.
What makes your run club unique?
Regardless of age, ability, or fitness level, we encourage everyone to participate in a wide range of activities and pursuits, not just run.
How would you describe your community in two words?
We unite
What’s a typical run session like with your club?
We host all kinds of running training sessions, such as speed interval, tempo, long run and recovery
How many members do you currently have, and what distances or types of running do you focus on?
We have more than 980 community members, we train for marathons.
What does the running community in Dubai mean to you?
It’s a place to encourage each other and share the same passion.
How has your club helped bring runners together – especially new or first-time runners?
Our training programme welcomes all types of runners with different pace groups, helps us all grow together.
Do you have any special traditions, post-run rituals or memorable community events?
We conduct ours members meetup to showcase their achievement and share the inspirational story.
What role do you think running plays in building a stronger, healthier local community?
Running helps many to overcome the anxiety and work pressure, it’s a place to meet and greet new people to share their values.
How do you encourage inclusivity within your club – from beginners to seasoned athletes?
We train all together, it helps the people to learn from the others.
What’s been one of your proudest moments as a club?
Our group got Second place in Hood to Coast relay running event, that was our proud moment.
Do you have a favourite local race or route in the UAE?
Rak Half marathon & Masfout trail run is our favorite event.
How do you think events like The Run Show can help strengthen the running community in the UAE?
It might help the runners to connect and learn from the experts.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining a run club for the first time?
Just show up and enjoy the run, rest all follows.
How do you see running culture evolving in the UAE over the next few years?
Communities pop up like anything else, hopefully all residents have a opportunity to join a club near by his neighbourhood.
What’s next for your club – any big goals, events or collaborations on the horizon?
Few brands and companies are tied up with us, we are working on it. Few of our athletes are training for Ironman