#MOTRstrong Stories: Sadaf Syeda

In light of all the recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we at Moms on the Run want to share uplifting stories about what our members are doing to stay active, to continue to crush goals, and to remain in community as a team. If you or your team are doing something fun or unique or cool, please email us here. We'd love to share it with our members.

​Sadaf Syeda, a new coach with Oakdale Moms on the Run, became a minor celebrity in her home country of Pakistan last month after finishing a half marathon as the only female runner.

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Sadaf took a trip home in early March (just before all the COVID-19 outbreak set in throughout the U.S.) to see her parents and to run a half marathon in Malam Jabba, a ski resort at a tough elevation of 9,200 feet. In Pakistan, female runners just don't exist. "Women are rarely seen running," explained Sadaf, "so I was an alien doing something that very few men even do." 

While she says it took her "forever" to finish, she stuck it out and, after crossing the finish line, all the major news channels interviewed her. PTV - Pakistan TV also featured her on a morning news show. See her interview here (starting at 4:10). 

"It was awkward, embarrassing and a funny experience, as it was all unexpected and the attention I received was crazy," Sadaf shares. "I never once imagined that when I signed up for the run."

And, as an extra surprise for her efforts, she earned 10,000 rupees as the prize for being the sole (and might we add — top) female runner. Way to go, Sadaf!