Sadly, even here in Canada there are those who don’t feel safe to go for a run alone, or at night or in neighbourhoods where there may have been violence. When Zainab tried to run outside but people threw rocks at her, insulted her and she even received threats from terrorists so she had to train for the 42km Marathon by doing laps around her enclosed courtyard, a space not much larger than the average one-bedroom apartment! Despite these challenges, Zainab was able to complete the marathon to become Afghanistan’s first female marathoner to complete a marathon in Afghanistan. One of the women Martin and Kate met was named Zainab. When they returned to Canada and started sharing about their experience, many Canadians could hardly believe that there were places in the world where people were not safe or free to run outside. This story inspired two Canadian runners, Martin Parnell and Kate McKenzie to go over to support the Marathon of Afghanistan and to create a documentary film about their journey called The Secret Marathon. Despite the challenges, women and men are participating in the Marathon to show the kind of future they want for their country.
Yet it is the first co-gender sporting event to ever be held in Afghanistan. This marathon has to keep their route secret to avoid being the target of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. It was first inspired by the Marathon of Afghanistan. The Secret 3K is an opportunity to celebrate everyone’s right to be free to walk and run in their community.
We have raised over $7,000 this year which will help the Marathon to grow and to allow more Afghans to run freely! We are also proud to support Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, 261 Fearless and Girl Guides of Canada who are working locally and globally to remove barriers to women accessing sport and education. This event would not be possible without the support of The Secret Marathon film, Running Room and our charity partner Marathon of Afghanistan. Today we will each be wearing our Equality race bibs to show the kind of future we want - one where everyone feels safe and included in our community. Today we are joining together with others around the world to support everyone’s right to be free to run.
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