A Farmington Hills woman is making history as the first hijab-wearing runner to grace the cover of a national fitness magazine.
She has ran several marathons in just four years, but now she can add modeling to her resume.
Rahaf Khatib said, "Something about crossing finish lines, it just brings out the best in you."
She is fairly new to running.
This wife and stay-at-home mom of three wanted an outlet to stay healthy and make new friends.
Four years after taking her first run, she is on the cover of Women's Running, becoming the first hijabi runner on a fitness magazine.
"In the fitness industry, you don't see many covered American-Muslims like me and I feel like I want to change that."
It all started because she wrote a comment on Women's Running magazine's Facebook page in July.
"I said, 'you know, it would be great if you can feature my community of runners.' They instantly replied back and they were so welcoming."
Within a few days, the magazine editors booked her to be on the cover of October's issue.
"You will get some negative comments here and there but I don't let that bother me because you have to look at the love and you have to look at how much the story has spread and that tells you something."
The photoshoot took place in Detroit.
Not only is she representing American-Muslims, she is representing the city, but she is modest about all the fanfare.
"I didn't start running to speak about my community. I just went out for a run. That's all I did," she explained. "There are so many stereotypes, unfortunately in this negative atmosphere, so I definitely want to inspire them, both Muslims and non-Muslims."
Rahaf has run several marathons and even got her husband and kids into running.
She has an Instagram account named "Run Like a Hijabi" but now, with this new found fame, she hopes to motivate people around the world.
"Runners are runners at the end, no matter your shape, size, race or religion. We all crossing the same finish lines."
The October issue of Women's Running has already hit stands if you want to pick up a copy.
Rahaf just brought a medal home last week after finishing a marathon in Berlin and she will add to her collection next week after running in the Detroit Free Press Marathon.
