Lacing up for healthy lifestyle, fitness movement brings together running enthusiasts in Amman

AMMAN — Running Amman, a free and inclusive outdoor fitness movement in Jordan, attracts hundreds of runners every week, from all nationalities and walks of life.  

From first-time to professional runners, citizens and residents, or even tourists, Running Amman is open to all, according to its co-founder Yazan Malakha. 

Running Amman was created by chance when two friends, Malakha and Mohammed Al Razem, decided to commit to running every Friday morning, Malakha said.

“A quick post on Facebook in October 2014 and five total strangers turned into five happy runners and Running Amman was born,” Malakha told The Jordan Times on Wednesday. 

“By organising three group runs every week, we aim to promote running and outdoor sports while providing a safe and inclusive space for all runners to connect, engage and empower one another all the while exploring the natural and urban spaces,” said Malakha.

Running Amman also welcomes children under 16, but parents must accompany them.

“Our youngest runner to date is 12 years old and our oldest is 64,” Malakha said.

 According to Malakha, their biggest run had 85 runners, which was shortly before the pandemic hit. “Due to COVID-19, our runs are currently limited to a maximum of 40 runners, including organisers,” he added.

 Malakha noted that the pandemic has been a huge challenge, as their organisation thrives on community engagement.

“Our runs have always been open and free for anyone to join. For years all you had to do is just show up to one of our runs without needing to sign up or pre-register,” he continued.

Running Amman was one of the first clubs to resume group runs after COVID-19 lockdowns. They had no playbook or models to refer to, which led them to require RSVPs and check-ins at every run, Malakha said.

 “We started maintaining a regular schedule and hosting runs three  times a week in June 2016. In 2019, Running Amman created the first ever all-women half marathon team to participate in the Dead2Red Relay Race. The team went on to win first place overall in that category while raising money for Reclaim Childhood,” he recalled.

 The following year, in June of 2020, Running Amman created the first ever Virtual Relay Race in Jordan. They allowed athletes to team up and connect virtually, while remaining distant and exercising alone. It resulted in slightly over 7,900 km of exercise logged by 100 participants within the span of a week, according to Malakha. 

Ahmad Khzaie, 22 years old, who participated twice in Running Amman’s runs, indicated that it is a “great motivational activity”.

 “I really liked the idea as we not only get to do something good for our bodies, but we also explore some great areas in Amman,” Khzaie told The Jordan Times on Wednesday.

 Khzaie noted that the runs are very enjoyable, especially since they are group activities that give the chance to socialise safely during the pandemic.