The Taliban's 2021 takeover of Afghanistan’s government led to a denial of women’s rights in the country - including the right to go to school, to walk in public, to work in the humanitarian sector, or to have access to rights-based services. The ban on women in sports was another heartbreaking setback but since escaping the country, Hasina, Fatima, and Zahra have continued to pursue their passion for running. In taking on the 26.2-mile challenge, they hope to share their experience of this marathon with girls and young women in Afghanistan who dream of many rights including running, but for whom this is impossible right now.

Hasina

Hasina grew up in Kabul and first heard of Free to Run through a 7-day hiking trip for girls and young women the nonprofit was organizing. She convinced her parents to let her travel on her own and also ended up running her first 10km race with the organization that year. Although she faced harassment running in public spaces and at times feared for her physical safety, Hasina’s dreams were stronger than her fears and running had begun to change her life.

Hasina was granted asylum in Canada after the fall of Afghanistan in 2021, where she now works part-time for Free to Run supporting young women still in Afghanistan. Today, running helps her clear her mind, believe in her capabilities, and push her boundaries as far as she can imagine.

Fatima

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 came across Free to Run at a Women’s Day event and soon began running with the group, where she felt safe. Now based in the U.S. as a Fulbright Scholar, away from her friends, family, and community, running helps Fatima feel like she’s back at home and allows her to relive her happy moments there.

Asked about why she wanted to run the New York City Marathon, Fatima said: “Running NYC has always been a dream for me since I joined Free to Run in 2018. I was encouraged and inspired by other female Afghan runners to join and challenge myself and my capabilities.

Zahra

Zahra’s first run was with her father when she was 14 years old. She felt unsure of what people would think but her father stood by her side and they dealt with the judgment together, even though he lost close friendships as a result. Zahra joined Free to Run through her school and says the organization changed her perspective on life and her community, taught her leadership, friendship, commitment, honor, 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 thinking about the girls and women in Afghanistan who no longer have the opportunity to grow. She feels guilty almost every day, knowing that her friends are unable to go to school or run.

Reflecting on the message she wants to share as the youngest Afghan girl to run the NY Marathon, Zahra says she wants to show a different face of Afghanistan and the women from her country.

Free to Run, a nonprofit organization dedicated to challenging gender norms and empowering girls and young women in conflict areas (currently Afghanistan and Iraq), has been instrumental in these runners’ journeys. Through its programs, Free to Run has provided these athletes with the support, training, and education needed to not only participate in sports and (re)claim public space but also to become leaders and advocates for women's rights in their communities. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, Free to Run’s Afghanistan programs have pivoted to clandestine indoor strength training sessions led by Afghan women, with a focus on wellness and resilience.

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.