Noura AlKhalaf — a name many people in the UAE running community will already recognise. A long-distance runner from the United Arab Emirates, she is the first female UAE national marathon record holder and an official Puma ambassador.

But what makes her story even more interesting is how it all began. Just six years ago, during the pandemic, it started with simple runs in one of Dubai’s parks — a way to move, clear her head, and escape the monotony of lockdown life. Since then, through discipline, persistence, and many early mornings — all while building a career in finance — Noura has achieved results that many athletes spend a decade chasing.

And she isn't planning to slow down. Her next goal is to represent the UAE at major global marathons and show that local athletes can compete at the highest level.

How does she balance a demanding corporate career with elite-level training? What does her daily routine actually look like? And how does she see the running culture evolving in the UAE today? We spoke with Noura to find out.

— Can you tell me about your journey into athletics? When did running first become part of your life?

— My journey didn’t begin on a track — it actually started as a search for a bit of freedom during the 2020 pandemic. That was the time when the world paused and gyms closed, and I quickly got tired of the monotony of home workouts. So I started going out to run in public parks just to move and clear my head. What began as a simple 5 km programme on my sports watch slowly turned into something much bigger.

It is also worth noting, for context, that my profession is Internal Auditor, so I am naturally drawn to patterns and precision. Watching my pace improve and my endurance grow week after week became motivating. At some point it stopped feeling like just exercise. It became a routine I genuinely looked forward to — almost addictive in the best way. I moved from 5 km to 10 km, then to half-marathons, and along the way I realised that the same analytical mindset I use in my work could actually be applied to sport as well.

Eventually it became clear that running was more than just a hobby. It was something I truly cared about and wanted to pursue seriously. What started as quiet runs in the park eventually led to becoming a Puma Athlete and a national record holder. In a way, it felt like my work ethic had finally found its perfect outlet — a sport where the “audit trail” of effort and discipline leads directly to results.

— When did you realise that running was no longer just a hobby, but something you were ready to dedicate your life to?

— The turning point came when I realised I didn’t just want to run — I wanted to stand on the podium.

That moment changed my approach completely. I realised that if I wanted to move from being a casual runner to competing at an elite level, I needed professional guidance. I hired a running coach to help structure my training and develop properly as an athlete, which I feel is really important. Together we built a strategic training plan with structured cycles of building and tapering. A coach also acts as an external eye — someone who knows when to push you and, more importantly, when to tell you to rest, so you can reach peak performance on race day rather than burning out during training.

In the beginning it was simply a way to challenge myself outside the office, but it gradually turned into something much bigger. Joining the Abu Dhabi Athletics Club was another important step — the track soon became my second home. Winning my first gold medals and eventually becoming a Puma Athlete confirmed that this was no longer just a hobby. It had become a serious commitment and a central part of my life.

— Why did you choose running over other sports?

— I think the main reason is the sense of freedom it gives me. In my professional life I deal with complex systems, processes, and a lot of coordination with other people. Running feels like the complete opposite. I don’t need anyone’s permission to start — it is just my time, my route, and my pace.

Another thing I love is that everything depends only on you. In team sports, your progress can sometimes depend on other people’s level of commitment or motivation. And while teamwork can be great, I realised that for me sport became a space where I wanted to take full responsibility for my own progress. With running, what you achieve comes down to your own discipline and effort. It is very simple in that sense — just you, the road, and the work you put in.

— What does your weekly training routine look like?

— I usually train six days a week — five days of running and one day of strength training. Since I also have a corporate career, I try to organise my schedule carefully so that the two worlds work alongside each other rather than clash.

Most of my speed sessions happen early in the morning before work, and it is a great way to start the day — it gives me energy and focus, and it allows me to stay fully committed to both my professional life and my training.

— What is your average running distance, and what is the longest distance you have ever completed?

— My training volume changes depending on the season. During the off-season I focus on building endurance, which means my weekly mileage can reach around 140 kilometres. During competition season I reduce the volume to about 90 kilometres and focus more on speed and intensity.

The longest competitive distance I have completed was my first full marathon — 42.2 kilometres. That race was particularly special because I secured the First Female UAE National record. It was a powerful reminder that with enough persistence, sometimes you can break barriers even on your very first attempt.

— What have been the biggest challenges in your journey as a runner?

— The mental side, definitely. Running 140 kilometres a week is physically demanding, of course, but the real challenge is balancing two high-pressure worlds. As a financial professional, my day is filled with critical thinking, analysis, and precision. Switching from that environment to the intensity of a hard training session or a marathon race requires a completely different kind of focus. Staying consistent and committed to both paths at the same time is probably the hardest — but also the most rewarding — part of the journey.

— What do you do in your professional finance career?

— I work as an Internal Auditor in the financial sector, where I monitor the quality of corporate and investment portfolios. My core focus is the end-to-end audit of credit and investment risk management processes, ensuring that risk management protocols are properly followed. This involves reviewing financial statements, analysing portfolio health, and assessing financial stability and regulatory compliance.

— Every career comes with burnout — whether in an office, a creative field, or sport. Have you experienced it, and what did it feel like for you?

— For me, burnout feels less like physical exhaustion and more like losing a sense of vision or direction. Of course, intense training can be tiring, but the real challenge is when motivation starts to fade.

Since joining Puma, my perspective has actually shifted quite a bit. The support and care they show me as an athlete has added a new layer of motivation. Being a Puma ambassador means I am no longer running just for myself — there is a whole team that believes in my potential. That sense of support helps keep me inspired and focused on both my athletic and professional goals.

— Do you ever feel pressure to constantly perform, especially with visibility on social media?

— Yes, and in a way that pressure actually fuels me. When I run, I know I am not doing it just for myself — I know I am also representing the UAE athletic community and Puma as a global brand.

So it becomes about more than just my personal performance. It is also about showing what consistency and persistence can achieve, and hopefully inspiring others to keep going with their own goals.

— Which part of the body is most prone to injury in running, and how can runners prevent it?

— In my experience, the shins and knees are usually the most vulnerable areas, especially when runners increase their pace or weekly mileage too quickly. Preventing injuries often comes down to small but consistent habits. I always keep an eye on the mileage of my running shoes and replace them regularly. Strength training is another important part of my routine. I dedicate one day each week to strength and conditioning to support my muscles and joints and help reduce the risk of injury.

— What is your nutrition routine like during a typical training week?

— During high-volume training weeks, I try to keep things quite simple and balanced. I focus mostly on carbohydrates to fuel the training, with a moderate amount of protein to help with recovery. Foods like oats or sweet potatoes are staples for me because they give steady energy, especially for my early morning speed sessions.

Since I usually train before work, I have also learned how important it is to refuel quickly afterwards. I normally have a recovery shake or a proper meal soon after my run so that by the time my workday starts, I feel energised and mentally sharp for my corporate responsibilities.

— How do you see the running culture in the UAE today?

— The running culture in the UAE is at a historic peak and is increasingly becoming a global benchmark for inclusivity. Our Sports Councils provide remarkable support for everyone involved in the sport — from amateur runners to elite athletes.

“Dubai Mallathon” is a community initiative that takes place across nine shopping malls from June to September. Organised under the vision of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it allows people to continue racing and training in a controlled indoor environment during the hottest months of the year.

For elite athletes, the country also hosts world-class, World Athletics - approved races such as the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, the Dubai Marathon, and the RAK Half Marathon. With Ajman and Umm Al Quwain half marathons soon expected to join the global calendar, the UAE is demonstrating that the sport can thrive all year round.

We are gradually shifting from being participants to becoming record-breakers, and the infrastructure here — from world-class tracks to supportive global brands like Puma — is helping position the Middle East as a growing hub for athletics.

— What goals are you currently chasing — specific races, personal records, or perhaps new experiences?

— One of my biggest goals right now is to represent the UAE at major global marathons and show that our local athletes can compete at the highest level.

But beyond times and records, I am really chasing what I call the “elite standard”. Now that I have the professional support of Puma, I want to see just how far my persistence can take me. I am not only looking for new experiences — I am working towards standing on the podium.

— What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their running journey?

— Start with the basics. Invest in a good pair of running shoes that properly support your body, and try joining a community run — it makes the whole experience much more enjoyable and motivating.

It is also important to remember that every elite runner once started with a single, slow kilometre. Progress takes time. If you stay consistent and learn to quiet the excuses in your head, the results will eventually follow. Just show up, stay disciplined, and let the journey unfold one step at a time.