Thousands of runners from all over the world filled the streets of Berlin, ready to conquer the 42.195 km distance. The atmosphere was full of euphoria, with the cheers of the crowd constantly providing encouragement. Among that sea of runners was one hijabi woman from Indonesia: Soraya Larasati.
The Berlin Marathon is more than just a running event. It is one of the World Marathon Majors, the most prestigious event that runners dream of. And for Soraya, this event was her 5th world-level marathon. But who would have thought that in the midst of her struggle, she would have to face a moment of falling at the 25-kilometer mark?
Instead of giving up, Soraya rose back up, kept going, and finally succeeded in completing the race. This is the complete, inspiring story of her preparation, challenges, ups and downs, and her unyielding spirit.
16 Weeks of Soraya Larasati’s Struggle Towards the Berlin Marathon
Soraya Larasati has long been consistent in pursuing long-distance running, even succeeding in finishing 4 World Marathon Majors before Berlin. Although experienced, she still prepared herself seriously.
“I trained intensively for about 16 weeks. The training wasn’t just running, but also strength training, stamina, and recovery. A marathon is about physical and mental [endurance], so you have to be disciplined,” she said.
For Soraya, that long training was like an investment. Every long run session on the weekend, every drop of sweat, was the foundation to be able to complete the 42 km distance later.
Unexpected Heat at the Berlin Marathon: How Soraya Larasati Survived
Usually, September in Berlin is synonymous with cool, or even cold, air. It’s ideal for runners. But 2025 brought a different surprise.
Soraya Larasati started at 9:30 AM, right under the scorching sun. The temperature soared to 27 degrees Celsius, much hotter than usual.
“It was quite unique, usually Berlin is cold. But this time it was very hot like Jakarta. So it was a big challenge because it caused dehydration,” said Soraya.
For runners, this condition is tough. High temperatures cause the body to lose fluids quickly, stamina drops, and mental strength is tested.
The Turning Point at Kilometer 25: The Struggle Against Oneself
The most unexpected moment happened when Soraya fell at the 25-kilometer mark, after running for about 2.5 hours. This incident, triggered by extreme weather, forced Soraya to make a crucial decision.
"I just kept going because I had trained and struggled for so long to prepare for all of this, so it would have felt like a waste if I had to stop," she said.
That moment proved that a marathon is not just physical, but also mental. There are times when the body wants to give up, but it is the mind and determination that decide the next step.
Happy Despite Failing to Break a Record
With steps that began to slow but were still full of determination, Soraya finally crossed the finish line of the 2025 Berlin Marathon. Although she didn’t set a personal record, she felt relieved because she had succeeded in completing the struggle from the first kilometer to the last.
Her time this year was 03:38:03, only 12 seconds off her record from last year, 03:37:51. "It’s a bit frustrating, because the difference was so small. I thought, why didn't I push myself in those last seconds. But I also realized, a marathon is not just about the numbers," expressed Soraya.
For Soraya, this finish was actually more meaningful because it taught her many things: the importance of nutrition and hydration, the ability to adapt to the weather, and patience in overcoming her ego. "I’m very happy and proud of myself. Sometimes we have to lose against our targets, but gain a lot in experience," she said gratefully.
The Hijab Is No Obstacle to Running
As a hijabi runner, Soraya is often asked about comfort while exercising. She emphasized that the hijab is not an obstacle, especially with today's activewear technology.
“Now there are so many local products that support us, starting from the airy fabric, quick-dry, to breathable [materials]. So even if we wear a hijab, we can still perform at our best,” she explained.
According to Soraya, the key lies in choosing the right outfit so that the body stays cool, the hijab doesn't shift easily, and movement remains unrestricted.
EasyOn x Soraya Larasati: Local Activewear That Carries You to the Finish Line
Soraya's experience at the 2023 Berlin Marathon felt lighter thanks to the EasyOn x Soraya Larasati Activewear collection. This product is the result of an exclusive collaboration between napocut and Soraya Larasati, designed to meet the needs of active hijabi women, especially those performing high-intensity sports like long-distance running.
“I’m really happy because it’s comfortable to wear even in hot weather. The hijab stays in place, it’s very breathable, quick-dry, has UPF protection, and the fabric is stretchy. Plus, there’s a small pocket to carry energy gels or a water bottle,” Soraya expressed with satisfaction.
Advantages of EasyOn x Soraya Larasati Activewear:
- Breathable and quick-dry: keeps the body cool and dry even under the scorching sun.
- UPF protection: extra protection from the sun during outdoor exercise.
- Hijab stays in place: stays neat and comfortable even when moving actively.
- Soft texture & stretchy: provides freedom of movement without compromising performance.
- Functional pockets: practical for carrying small necessities during a race.
- Stylish design: stay fashionable without sacrificing comfort and performance.
With these complete features, EasyOn x Soraya Larasati is the right choice for hijabi women who want to be active, confident, and stay looking their best in every sports activity.
Soraya Prepares Herself for the Next Marathon Even More Thoroughly
Even though she has participated in world marathons five times, Soraya feels her journey is still long. The experience at the 2023 Berlin Marathon serves as a reminder that preparation is not just about training, but also about nutrition, hydration, and adapting to field conditions that are always unexpected.
“If this year I trained for 16 weeks, in the future I want [to train] even longer. Starting from zero to be better prepared to face any condition, whether it’s the weather, energy, or mental [state],” said Soraya enthusiastically.
Soraya's story is proof that every finish line is always the beginning of a new journey. A marathon teaches the meaning of consistency, discipline, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when unexpected challenges arise.
And to support every step of active hijabi women, the EasyOn x Soraya Larasati Activewear collaboration is now here to accompany your best performance. This collection can be purchased on the official website napocut.com starting October 3, 2025.