Omani runner Ruqaya Al Hassani transformed a difficult health battle into a powerful athletic journey. Her story now inspires many young athletes across Oman. Ruqaya Al Hassani first turned to running while undergoing treatment for cancer. At that time, she simply wanted relief from physical pain and emotional pressure. However, the sport soon reshaped her life and revealed unexpected strength and determination. Today, Ruqaya Al Hassani competes in local and international races and represents a growing movement of female athletes in Oman.
Initially, running served only as a temporary escape during treatment. She followed running competitions and admired professional athletes for years. However, she never imagined she would become one herself. During the early stages, she trained on a treadmill at the gym. Even then, she struggled to complete one or two kilometers. Nevertheless, her endurance slowly improved as her physical health strengthened. As a result, her passion for running grew steadily. Eventually, curiosity turned into commitment, and running became a central part of her life.
Soon afterward, she decided to take her first serious step into competitive racing. She registered for the Muscat Marathon and began daily training with a professional coach. However, the race schedule conflicted with an upcoming surgery. Therefore, she searched for another event that would fit her timeline. Eventually, she discovered a race in Sohar scheduled just two days before her operation. Despite the physical challenges, she chose to participate with the support of a close friend.
During that race, she pushed herself beyond expectations and completed the 10-kilometer distance. Remarkably, she secured fourth place among female runners. The achievement felt extraordinary considering the health challenges she faced. Shortly afterward, she underwent surgery. However, her athletic preparation helped strengthen both her body and mindset. Consequently, the recovery process became faster and more manageable. After returning to training, she entered competitions with even stronger determination.
Guidance from her coach, Fahad Al-Abri, played a major role in her progress. Through consistent training and discipline, she achieved several strong results in regional races. For example, she earned second place at the 2023 Bidiyah Desert Race. She later finished fourth in the 2024 edition of the same competition. In addition, she secured fourth place in the Sohar Race and fifth place in the Salalah Race. She also achieved seventh place in the Nizwa Mountain Run. Each competition strengthened her experience and confidence as a runner.
Furthermore, she considers the Al-Ula Mountain Race a major turning point in her career. The demanding desert-mountain course required endurance and mental strength. Completing the race while carrying the Omani flag filled her with pride. That moment symbolized both personal recovery and national representation.
Throughout her journey, Ruqaya Al Hassani balanced sports with cultural expectations and social responsibilities. She believes professional sport can exist alongside modesty and strong cultural identity. As a result, her success has encouraged broader acceptance of female participation in running across Oman. Her achievements demonstrate that determination and discipline can overcome major obstacles.
Looking ahead, she remains optimistic about the future of running in Oman. She hopes sports institutions will expand opportunities for female athletes. Increased training programs and professional platforms could strengthen the country’s athletic development. Meanwhile, Ruqaya Al Hassani continues intensive training while balancing her professional life. Her journey now inspires a new generation of Omani women to pursue their athletic ambitions with confidence.
