Noor Al Hulaibi is believed to be the first Bahraini woman to conquer the TCS Sydney Marathon, now one of the seven Abbot World Marathon Majors, and hopes her achievement will inspire other women to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.
The 42.195km race, which took place on Sunday, was officially added to the list in November 2024, joining the ranks of the world’s most iconic marathons.
Established in 2006, the Abbot World Marathon Majors comprises seven of the largest and most prestigious races globally, held annually in Tokyo, Boston, London, Chicago, New York, Berlin and Sydney.
Athletes who complete the original six events are awarded the coveted Six Star Finisher Medal.
Ms Al Hulaibi told the GDN from Sydney that although the marathon was not originally part of her 2025 plans, she felt proud to represent her country at the event.
TCS Sydney Marathon
“My running partner secured a slot in the marathon lottery, and since we have always trained and raced together, it did not feel right for him to go alone,” she said.
“Out of support and solidarity, I decided to register as well. Running has always been a shared passion for us and this marathon was no different.”
The 38-year-old personal trainer and a physiotherapist admitted that her greatest challenge was overcoming the mental barrier left from competing in the Amsterdam Marathon last year.
“I ran the Seville Marathon, finishing in under four hours,” she said, noting that the experience inspired her to take on the Amsterdam Marathon later that year.
“Around the 30km mark in Amsterdam, I ran into nutrition issues and had to stop at the first aid station, finishing in around four hours and 52 minutes.
“I was struggling to run, alternating between walking and jogging. The experience was mentally very tough, but it taught me important lessons about fuelling my body and building resilience.
“Even though I completed the marathon, it really shook my confidence going forward.”
Ms Hulaibi, a Happy Team Bahrain runner for the past three years, explained that to avoid issues this time, she trained for around four months, specifically preparing for the unique challenges of the course.
The 42km route begins in North Sydney and concludes at the Opera House Forecourt. Runners traverse the Sydney Harbour Bridge, pass through Centennial Park and navigate various city streets.
The course also features a net elevation drop of 83 metres with a total elevation gain of 313 metres and a descent of 396 metres, with hills particularly between the 16km and 28km.
“I trained to be able to run hills and inclines; it was intensive and targeted training to make sure I was ready to take on this challenge,” she said, pointing out that the Sydney Marathon was a ‘redemption mission.
“Despite being a much harder, hillier and brutal course than Seville, I managed to break my personal best, which is a huge achievement for me.”
She finished the race in 3.43.31.
Ms Hulaibi with her medal in Sydney
Ms Al Hulaibi explained that her goal was never about being the ‘first’ Bahraini woman to complete the marathon, but about proudly representing her country and raising the kingdom’s flag.
“Whether I am the first, second or last to cross the finish line, the honour lies in carrying Bahrain’s name on a global stage,” she said, adding that it feels incredible to know that her journey may also inspire others back home to take on a similar challenge.
As a word of advice, she encourages other young women to be patient. “Marathon progress does not happen overnight.
“You have to trust the process, be consistent and have discipline. Most of all, believe in yourself, because once you do, nothing is impossible.
“If I can do it, you can do it.”
A record-breaking 35,000 people took part in this year’s Sydney Marathon. It is Sydney’s first under the Abbott World Marathon Majors series. Ethiopian Hailemaryam Kiros won the Sydney Marathon, becoming the fastest person to ever run the 42km distance in Australia.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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