A unique running club in Abu Dhabi is bringing women together to explore some of the emirate's most scenic and lesser-known locations, from Khaleej Al Arabi Park to Maqta Bridge and Public Art Abu Dhabi. The club, founded by Emirati fitness enthusiast Mariam Bahlooq, aims to provide a supportive environment for women of all fitness levels to enjoy running in beautiful spots across the city.
Discovering Hidden Gems
The Running Society, led by Mariam, offers participants a chance to explore “hidden gems” around Abu Dhabi that many long-term residents have never seen. “The runs I organise are like mini retreats,” said Mariam, noting that each run is designed to be relaxing and enriching. She emphasizes warm-up sessions, stretching exercises before and after the run, and a small picnic at the end to make the experience more enjoyable.
Mariam, who moved to Abu Dhabi over 12 years ago after her marriage, began exploring the city’s beauty during the pandemic, while recovering from giving birth to her twins. She started running in lesser-known areas and quickly fell in love with the landscapes around the emirate. "I used to run through little-known areas and began seeing how beautiful Abu Dhabi was," she shared, explaining how she began documenting her runs through photos and videos.
Unique Running Locations
Some of the most popular locations in Mariam’s running routes include a hidden beach in one of Khaleej Al Arabi's picnic parks and beneath the stunning artwork on one of the bridges in the area. The run also passes by Al Maqta Tower, built in the 19th century, and is located near Al Maqta Bridge, a historical site in Abu Dhabi.
Mariam recently completed a 60km ultramarathon across the city during the UAE National Day week, running exclusively on footpaths and walking tracks. “I wanted to show people that Abu Dhabi is a walkable city,” Mariam said. “When I told people I was going to run 60km without road closures, people didn’t believe me.”
An Inspirational Journey
The ultramarathon, which took eight hours to complete, was a major physical challenge for Mariam. “At the 55km mark, I was in so much pain and my whole body was numb, but I knew that if I didn’t complete it, I would regret it,” she recalled. Along the way, over 20 women joined Mariam, offering encouragement and making it a team experience. "It was great to run as a team. I wanted to inspire women to never underestimate their resilience," she shared.
Balancing Family and Fitness
A mother to three young children, Mariam manages to balance her early morning runs with family life. “I do a run at 5:30am and am back home at 6:45am to take the kids to school,” she explained. After drop-off, she works through meetings until the children return. She credits her husband for being incredibly supportive, helping out with the children when she’s out running.
Mariam has always been a fitness enthusiast, initially pursuing horse riding until a back injury pushed her to switch to running. While she worked in HR, her passion for fitness never wavered. In 2019, encouraged by her husband, she quit her job to focus on helping women get fit. She eventually launched the Running Society in April 2024 after obtaining a certification in personal training to offer fitness advice.
Run Club for All
The Running Society currently offers three weekly sessions: Tuesday runs for beginners, Wednesday runs for experienced runners, and a weekend run open to women of all ages. The sessions are capped at 16 runners and cost Dh55 per person. The club's goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for women to stay fit while discovering the beauty of Abu Dhabi.
Mariam’s efforts to build this unique and welcoming community are making a lasting impact on the women who participate, empowering them to live more active lives while enjoying Abu Dhabi's hidden treasures.
