From 5K to Half Marathon: The Transformational Journey of Maya Al Harthi
What begins as a single step can often change the entire path of a life—and for Maya Al Harthi, that first step was taken in the Muscat Marathon’s 5K race in 2022. What followed was not just a growing love for running, but a personal evolution shaped by resilience, passion, and community.
But the story didn’t start at the starting line—it started a year earlier, in 2021, when Maya’s sister, Najlaa, began encouraging her to run. At first, the idea floated in the background. Life was busy, and motivation was hard to pin down. Yet somewhere in between the conversations and quiet moments, a seed was planted. And in 2022, it finally sprouted. Maya laced up her shoes, stepped onto the course—and unknowingly began a journey that would lead her to conquer a half marathon by 2025.
Running That Feeds the Soul
For Maya, running quickly became more than just a fitness goal. It became a sanctuary.
Her early morning runs are not about performance metrics or competition—they’re about mental clarity. “Running helps me clear my mind, reduce stress, and boost my mood,” she says. It’s a time to reconnect with herself and realign her energy before the demands of the day begin.
One tradition that keeps her motivated is the Friday coffee run with her fitness group, Khanjar Fitness Oman. The group meets for a sunrise run, followed by coffee and conversation—a ritual that blends movement, mindfulness, and community. “It’s refreshing and fun,” she shares. “It gives me a sense of belonging and sets the tone for a productive day.”
More Than a Race: The Olympic Day Run
Among all the events she has taken part in, one in particular stands out: the Olympic Day Run. For Maya, this race represents more than just personal fitness—it symbolizes shared dreams, diverse goals, and the universal power of movement.
“It’s inspiring to see athletes with different stories running for reasons beyond just health,” she says. “It reminds me to stay passionate, stay focused, and always believe in my ability to grow.”
Breaking Barriers, One Step at a Time
Like any journey worth taking, Maya’s hasn’t been without its share of challenges.
In the early days, finding safe and comfortable running spaces in Muscat was tough—especially for women. “Running in public wasn’t very common for females when I started, and crowded areas made it uncomfortable,” she recalls. But instead of letting that stop her, Maya adapted. She explored quieter neighborhoods and adjusted her routes. Over time, things began to shift.
Today, thanks to increased awareness and the rise of running communities like PACA, Muscat is becoming more runner-friendly—especially for women. Maya is proud to be part of that change.
The Omani heat has been another major hurdle. As someone who thrives in the outdoors, the summer months were a true test. But Maya met that challenge head-on by switching to night runs and even experimenting with indoor running to stay consistent.
A Message to Aspiring Runners
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering running—especially on a day like Olympic Day—Maya’s message is simple but powerful:
“Running is more than just exercise. Give it a try. Run solo, with friends, or with a club. Try the beach. You’ll be amazed at how it uplifts your mind and body.”
From a hesitant beginner to a half marathon finisher, Maya Al Harthi’s story is a powerful reminder: the journey matters just as much as the destination. And with each step, we have the chance to discover strength we never knew we had.
