Afghan women refugees running New York City Marathon for freedom
"I am doing this race not only for myself, but for all Afghan girls who can not run due to the situation"
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Free to Run
Three young Afghan women will be lining up at the New York City Marathon this Sunday, and will be keeping in mind those who are prevented from running as they complete the iconic race. It will be not only a remarkable physical achievement for them, but will also support the non-profit that introduced them to running and supported their evacuation, Free to Run.
Free to Run is an organization focused on women and girls who live in conflict-affected communities. Its aim is to drive change in conflict areas by supporting adolescent girls and young women to advance their leadership and wellness through running. Since 2014, Free to Run has worked with several thousand young women, primarily in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ultrarunner Stephanie Case serves as president and received a Governor General of Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal in 2020 for her part in establishing the organization.
The Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Afghanistan’s government led to the loss of women’s rights in the country, including the loss of the right to participate in sports. Since fleeing the country, Hasina, Fatima and Zahra have been able to resume running, and they hope to share their experience of the New York City Marathon with young women in Afghanistan who may dream of running one day.
Meet the Afghan women runners
Fatima was born in Iran as a refugee and returned to Afghanistan with her family in 2001 after the first withdrawal of the Taliban. She learned about Free to Run at a Women’s Day event and began running with the group in a military compound, where it was safe to do so. Fatima is now based in the U.S. as a Fulbright Scholar, but she is a long way from her friends, family and community. She says running helps her feel like she’s back at home.
“Running as an Afghan girl has been my method of practicing my freedom, breaking stereotypical norms, and spreading awareness about challenges Afghan girls face,” Fatima says. “I also hope to inspire other girls to run, especially Afghan girls who are now more limited than ever, and share my story as an example of someone who is capable if given the opportunity. There are so many girls back home who wish to run the NYC Marathon and I will be running in their names.”
Hasina grew up in Kabul, and first heard of Free to Run through a seven-day hiking trip for girls and young women the non-profit was organizing. She persuaded her parents to let her travel on her own to the event, and also was able to run her first 10K race with the organization that year.
“As an Afghan girl [runner], I was harassed and warned a lot by local people,” Hasina shares. “They had told me very mean things that made my goals and my dreams hard to pursue. I remember telling me things like: “What are you wearing?” or “Do not come here anymore!”” She says her dreams were stronger than her fears, and she continued to run.
Hasina was granted asylum in Canada after the fall of Afghanistan in 2021, and she now works part-time for Free to Run, supporting young women still in Afghanistan. Today, running helps her clear her mind and push her boundaries.
“Running this marathon means more than just running and finishing it,” Hasina says.”I am doing this race not only for myself but for all Afghan girls who can not run, due to the situation.”
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Zahra is the youngest of the Afghan women running on Sunday, and says that her first run was with her father when she was 14 years old. Her father stood by her side, despite the judgment and disapproval of others.
Zahra joined Free to Run through her school. She says the organization changed her perspective on life and her community, taught her leadership, friendship, commitment, honour, and growth, and “gave her a fighting soul” that helps her wherever she goes. Zahra is now based in the U.S., and says it is hard to think about the girls and women in Afghanistan who no longer have the opportunity to grow.
Zahra dedicates her race on Sunday to the women and girls in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries who, like her, dream of running free.
The funds raised by Hasina, Fatima, and Zahra through their participation in the marathon will directly benefit Free to Run’s programs, enabling more young women and girls in conflict areas to access sports opportunities, develop their leadership skills and wellness, and challenge gender norms. To support the runners’ goal, donations can be made on JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/teamafghanistan
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