Our Group Leads
Amal
Whether you see her volunteering around the community or at DMRC, one things is for sure: Amal is ALL smiles and ALWAYS early. Catch her running with Group A on a good weather day, or leading the path for Group B all Summer long every Saturday at 8AM!
I’m Amal and I’ve been with DMRC for 4 years, Alhamdulillah. I moved to Dallas right before the pandemic started and the whole city shut down. With no social gatherings, it was hard to meet people and feel the sense of community. Then in 2021 when DMRC was established, I met the people who would define what home feels like.
Watching DMRC grow daily has kept me inspired to building this safe and warm community. I am currently training for my very first world major marathon, Berlin 2025 inshallah!
My main goal is to make it through training season injury free and to have fun with the whole thing! Insha’Allah!
Iman
Catch Iman bringing all the good vibes to Group B!
Salaam, I’m Iman! I’ve had asthma all my life and always used it as an excuse to get out of anything physical for as long as I can remember (lol). About 10 years ago I started running just to see if I could, and here I am still running today and will keep running for as long as I can (and Allah swt allows) inshallah! I’ve been running with DMRC for the last 4 years and the growth I’ve had as a runner because of this community has been a blessing. Alhamdulillah. They inspired me so much that I ran my first 10k, half-marathon, and full marathon with DMRC. One thing I can guarantee: You won’t meet friendlier, more supportive, or kinder people who encourage you every step of your running journey.
I love running and I love seeing others fall in love with it, too. I can’t wait to see you at our next Saturday Social run!
Esraa
When DMRC decided in 2024 to add a 40-Minute WALK group to our Saturday morning Social Runs, Esraa was the first person to volunteer to lead the group. As a friendly and familiar face to so many people in our community, it only made sense for Esraa to be first face to greet new members who attend for the first time and may just want to ease into a new and active lifestyle.
Salamo Alekom! My name is Esraa, and Alhamdulilah I have been on the sidelines with DMRC since 2021. I was exposed to DMRC through Instagram, which led to my first ever race a 5K at the Dallas Skyline that year. There, I was exposed to all the smiles and love DMRC has to offer. It didn’t matter how old you were, or where you came from, someone was there cheering for you and making sure you crossed the finish line.
DMRC became my support system in growing from a 5K to a half marathon. Those first few steps are some of the hardest, and are a reminder than some movement is better than none. Being able to remind others to take the smallest steps to a future that may seem impossible is my favorite part of Saturday mornings as a team lead for the beginner groups. Using that as a reminder to myself, my goal for the next year is to work my way back up to run a 5K with BMW Dallas, the city that started it all.
The community has grown to become my village, holding each other through every run, life has to offer. Everyone deserves the warmth of a village to lean on, and a smile that can change everything. As a team lead, this inspires me to welcome the same love and kindness for all who join DMRC, Insha’Allah, allowing our village to grow endlessly in this dunya and the next.
Alp
What is Group A without Alp, really? Catch him running with Group A or hitting the pavement on those Sam Houston Trail Canals on any given day of the week. Things he often says: ‘I’m done with running” after every race and yet here we are…. ALL SMILES & MILES running into year 4!
I’m Alp and I’ve been with DMRC for 3 years. I joined my first run in March 2022 after hearing about it from Roots. I played multiple sports throughout my life and ran regularly into my late 20s. After taking a long break from sports and running, I joined DMRC to focus on general fitness and meet fellow Muslims who wanted to be physically active. By the end of 2022 I ran two marathons. One year after my first run with DMRC, I was able to accomplish a long time personal goal of running all the way around Arlington. God willing I will be running the Dallas half marathon in December with a goal of finishing under 1:30. I’m grateful for all the people I’ve met, ran with, and been inspired by from DMRC, and I look forward to another year of developing our fitness and faith together.
Hala
Group A has a few consistent faces and Hala is definitely one of them. If you’re looking for a 5AM long distance running partner - reach out to her. Otherwise, catch her Saturday mornings leading Group A’s 4 Mile Crew with a pace that not many of us can keep up with.
Salam, I’m Hala! I’m originally from Jordan, where I first got into running through high school track and local 10K fun runs around Amman and the Dead Sea. In 2022, I decided to take on long-distance running as a personal challenge. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I finished my first half marathon in Rochester, Minnesota, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Since then, I’ve completed about 10 half marathons, 4 full marathons, and one World Major. Running has become my space to reflect and stay grounded. After moving to Dallas in the summer of 2023, it took on even deeper meaning when I joined DMRC. It connected me with a warm, motivating community and helped make Dallas feel like home. I’m currently training for the Berlin Marathon, which will be my second World Major, inshAllah. I’m excited to keep growing as a runner and stay connected to this amazing community.
Mohammad
Mohammad is a regular Group B Lead - somehow making it look easy to casually Run 3 Miles every Saturday Morning despite the weather while simultaneously making sure no one ever gets left behind.
Salam! I’m Mohammad Jayousi, and I’ve been with DMRC for 3 years. I started running from zero just 4 years ago, and since then I’ve completed 3 marathons and 4 half marathons. About a year into running I discovered DMRC through their incredibly active and inspiring Instagram page. I saw the energy, consistency, and community in every post and knew I had to check it out. Joining turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my running journey. I’m currently training for the Dallas BMW Full Marathon this December.
Fun fact: I came to DMRC for the miles… and ended up finding my wife. Best PR yet!
Hana
Catch Hana usually cheering everyone on until her voice is gone on Race Day, or a Saturday group run bringing in the back of our 3 Miles Runners - Group B.
Hey y’all, I’m Hana! I grew up in the DFW area and have been part of DMRC for almost four years now. I joined shortly after the group was founded in July 2021 when my cousin Haitham introduced me to it and I came across the Instagram page. Running has always been something I’ve loved since I was a kid, and after college, I started getting back into it, but it was hard to stay consistent on my own. As a hijabi, it was incredibly inspiring to see other Muslim women in DMRC showing up to races and doing amazing things. This community gave me the support and accountability I needed, and with the help of Coach Ariel and the training plan he made for me, I was able to run my first 10K, half marathon, and eventually the Cowtown full marathon just eight months after joining. DMRC has helped me grow not just as a runner but as a person, building my confidence, discipline, faith and surrounding me with people who truly feel like family. When I’m not racing, I love showing up for the team as part of our elite DMRC cheer squad. Alhamdulillah for this supportive community. My next race is the Dallas BMW Marathon in December inshaAllah, and I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with such an uplifting and inspiring group!
Suzanne
For four years, Suzanne has shown up every Saturday ready to help a first timer find their place - now she is the first to volunteer to lead the Walking group or to lead our cheer squad on any given race day. TRUST US — We couldn’t ask for a better Cheer Captain.
Hi, I’m Suzanne, and I’ve been a part of DMRC for the past four years. I first joined when DMRC was just a small group of friends who wanted to create a dedicated space for running in our community. Growing up, I was always active in the Muslim community around me and being part of DMRC allows me to continue that connection as an adult. Since joining DMRC in 2021, I have run multiple races but completing the BMW half marathon in Dallas is by far my greatest running accomplishment. I love gathering for the running, but if you’ve come to run club before you know I really LOVE the social aspect and the sense of belonging even more. It’s something I genuinely look forward to every week and I hope you too will find your sense of belonging here whether you come for the miles or for the vibes.
Hanan
Catch Hanan running with Group B - always ready to welcome a new runner!
Hi - my name is Hanan! I’m a mom of two and a speech language pathologist, I love reading and problem solving (seriously, ask me for advice… I’m dying to give it.) I’ve had the privilege of running with DMRC for the past four years, Alhamdullilah. I started with running/walking with a friend and was interested in running more but didn’t really know how to! I never understood pacing myself or proper running shoes, and never really considered myself a runner. One day while walking on Katy Trail I saw someone I knew fly by with a running group, and thought ‘how cool!’ The next week I attended my first ever run club. Since then I’ve ran multiple races with the help of the most supportive community I’ve ever been a part of.
InshaAllah, I plan on running Berlin Marathon this year and it will be my first world major marathon!
If you’ve been wanting to get into running, but you are not sure where to start - come check out DMRC. It may just be exactly the motivation you’ve been looking for.
Hesham
Catch Hesham running with Group B — and just know he’s always ready for his photo op, always in pretty cool kicks, and always ready to lead a workout when DMRC hosts a functional training circuit.
Salam, I’m Hesham - I am 26 years old and a fun fact is I’ve done a body building show, a marathon without training (not smart - don’t recommend) and I know how to make a water drop noise with my mouth. I’ve been attending DMRC for 4 years and it has been the best thing I’ve ever done getting closer to the community. I first discovered DMRC when Haitham, my older brother, told me about it and at first I thought the concept of a Muslim run club was cheesy and cringe. I didn’t really know what to expect until I went and got to meet the amazing people at DMRC that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Now I appreciate the feeling of being really productive on a Saturday morning knowing I still having my whole morning ahead of me even after finishing an amazing run by 9AM. I’ve always been active throughout my life, but DMRC gave me a reason to continue to be active even on the weekends. I’m not sure when or what my next race will be but for now, I’m just enjoying Saturday mornings with the team whether it’s coaching a functional training exercise or leading group B through a new trail!
If you’re like me and have a preconceived notion on what to expect when you show up for the first time - I hope you’ll take the leap of faith and show up for yourself and find that maybe this community is exactly where you belong.
Mazen
If there is one way to describe Mazen - It’s CONSISTENT. He shows up, never complains, and is always willing to jump in and help whether that’s being the BEST Burger chef on Race Day or leading Group C as our runners train from Couch to 5K - he’s ALWAYS there and ALWAYS ready to lend a helping hand.
Hey everyone, I’m Mazen — A little about me: I was born and raised in DFW. I’m Iraqi and Palestinian, and blessed to have grown up with both cultures. I love playing soccer and I’m a huge FC Barcelona fan. I discovered DMRC through friends and social media about three years ago, and it’s been such a solid community for me ever since. I’ve never run a race yet — but being around this group definitely has me inspired to take that step one day (haha). For now - I enjoy co-leading Group C, staying active on the weekend, and meeting new people every Saturday morning. I am looking forward to more miles and good company with the best Run Club in town.
Manar - Official Photographer
Check out her work by visiting her instagram page @momentsbymanar.