Manal Rostom to run marathon in Nike hijab

The Egyptian will be the first athlete in the world to run a major race wearing the Nike Pro Hijab

Manal Rostom, an Egyptian mountaineer, marathoner and Nike running coach, wears the Nike Pro Hijab. Courtesy of Nike

Manal Rostom is set to make history as she prepares to run the New York Marathon on November 5.

Attempting to achieve her personal best time, she will also be the first athlete in the world to run a major race wearing the Nike Pro Hijab.

Rostom was inspired and motivated to compete in one of the world’s largest marathons after spending time with Nike athlete and 2016 Olympic gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge, when the duo ran a 5km race together.

The Egyptian is running to support the UAE-based charity Big Heart Foundation, an international humanitarian body dedicated to helping refugees and people in need.

The Nike Pro Hijab, which will be available in-store from spring 2018, was created as a lightweight, breathable, adjustable and competition-worthy garment for athletes who wear hijabs. It is expected to be priced at about Dh129.

To track Rostom's progress during the race, download the @NYCMarathonapp and search her number of 38244.

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