The Riyadh Urban Runners; memorize the name, because this group of women, sprinting the streets of Saudi, are the kingdom’s first female running group.
Amal Maghazil, a team member, explained how the group came to be, "Regular exercise is important for our physical and mental wellbeing, so we wanted to create a community that encourages active lifestyle by running outdoors. We are a diverse group, with members from different age groups, fitness levels, nationalities and professions. We welcome anyone who wants to explore running and a wish for a healthier lifestyle."
Even though huge reforms are taking place in Saudi Arabia to put women at the forefront in their careers, businesses, motoring and sports, many were concerned about the reaction they would get from the community, who isn’t used to seeing women practicing a sport in public. Amal spoke about getting women to partake, "At first, women were hesitant to run outdoors because they were either used to running indoors or had never run in an abaya. That changed when they experienced it and saw how accepting the community has been."
Another Riyadh Urban Runners team member, Alanoud Alhumaid, spoke of the comradery, self-confidence and the social aspect that comes with being a part of the Saudi kingdom’s all female running team, “Do I play sports just to be skinny? No! Does sports only mean walking? No! Can I run while I’m wearing my abaya? Yes, for sure!”
“Sports to me means that I challenge myself,” Alanoud continued, “I challenge my body, and before that, I challenge my brain. The girls and I will reach our destination, which is to become healthier and achieve a better lifestyle. We will get there and inspire other girls as well. We will soon be a bigger group and support each other like sisters. I always look forward to hanging out with my girls."
Currently, the all-female team has 60 members, and 10-12 who attend the Riyadh Urban Runners weekly sessions. They hope to set up other women running groups in cities across Saudi Arabia.
