Sabil Manai touches on her evolving journey as an NYC-based runner and her reasons for chasing success.
By: J. Hemsley
Like many college students, Sabil Manai faces challenges balancing her education, a full-time job, and doing the things she loves. Despite this, Manai continues to push through, remaining dedicated to reaching new milestones as a runner. For Manai, marathon running is not only about the reward, but it’s also about the confidence she gains from it.
“Training for races requires a lot of discipline and commitment,” said Manai. “Following through for yourself is an achievement in and of itself.”
This year, Manai is participating in the NYRR 9+1 program, where she will volunteer at one of their events and compete in 9 qualifying races, allowing her to qualify for the 2026 NYC marathon.
For Manai, some days begin at 5 a.m. to ensure she can train before work or school. On her own time, she practices along the Belt Parkway bike trail in Brooklyn. Manai believes her running playlist drives her to train hard. She listens to her favorite song, “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC, as well as podcasts while she runs.
“I don’t have a great support system that understands my love of running,” said Manai. “It’s a solo journey for me.”
As Manai keeps a busy work and college schedule, a challenge for her is finding time to join a runner’s club or build connections with others who enjoy her hobby. However, throughout her experiences, Manai has found a sense of community in running alongside people from all different backgrounds, cultures, and age groups. Manai is one of 60,000 members of the NYRR involved with charities, climate protection, youth organizations, and creating healthy lifestyles.
Despite a minor hip injury in December of last year, Manai remains devoted to working towards her goals. One of Manai’s more difficult experiences as a runner was during the 2024 Jersey City 5k. As this was her first organized race, her nerves ran high. While many other participants ran alongside her, it was a challenge for Manai to keep her usual pace, especially with the addition of an uneven course.
Manai first discovered she enjoyed running when participating in a relay race in elementary school. She realized that if she could complete a race, she could achieve any other goal she set her mind to. Manai felt that running gave her a sense of confidence which translated to all areas of her life.
Manai started running again in high school during the COVID-19 lockdown, when she became inspired to pick up the hobby. Since then, Manai has completed the 2024 Jersey City 5k and the Percy Sutton Harlem 5k. Manai
Manai not only runs for the physical benefits of improved cardiovascular health and strength, but to practice her own discipline, stay driven, and build work ethic.
For Manai, running is the perfect outlet to maintain mental clarity, a sense of joy and pride, and overall well-being. This is especially important while keeping up with the numerous goals she’s reaching towards. By running, Manai is releasing endorphins as well as all of her worries.
“I am training for a marathon, but I show up for me,” said Manai. “I set the goal; I don’t do it for external validation.”
