Running For Freedom at the New York City Marathon: Zahra
Since 2021 the Taliban has denied girls and women in Afghanistan their basic human rights, including the right to attend school, to walk in public, or to access rights-based services. The ban on women in sports was another heartbreaking setback but a team of Free to Run Alumni from Afghanistan - Fatima, Hasina, and Zahra - will boldly represent Afghanistan this year at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon. Here is Zahra’s Story.
ZAHRA’S STORY
Zahra hails from Afghanistan. Growing up, her passion for sports, particularly running, became a defining part of her identity. At the age of 14, she took her very first run, a 2-mile jog, alongside her father. She vividly remembers the moment, feeling self-conscious about being a girl running in the streets in a skirt. Despite the judgments and disapproval of others, her father stood by her side. She soon formed running groups with classmates, motivating them to run together.
Zahra's introduction to Free to Run came when she was a student. A new teacher at her school introduced the program, and she was selected to participate by her school principal. It was a decision that would change her life.
“The experiences and connections I gained from Free to Run have helped me to come this far in life and I can not thank Free to Run enough for their opportunities. I learnt leadership, friendship, commitment, honor, and growth, and I have gotten a fighting soul from Free to Run which helps me wherever I go.”
Running in a community that frowned upon women running in jeans or shorts, Zahra faced judgmental stares and disapproving words from onlookers. She even experienced being stopped by soldiers and worried she would never see daylight again. Nevertheless, the Free to Run team provided her with the support and guidance she needed to navigate these hardships.
Today, Zahra says she faces the ongoing mental challenge of being away from Afghanistan and witnessing the plight of women and girls who are denied the opportunities she now enjoys. She grapples with guilt and a sense of helplessness, knowing that her friends are not allowed to attend school, a privilege she once shared with them. However, running serves as her beacon of hope and a means to combat the trauma she carries from leaving her homeland.
Zahra's training for the TCS New York City Marathon is a journey filled with highs and lows. She recognizes the simultaneous battle her body and mind wage in pursuit of her goal. While she works on her fitness, she remains excited about the upcoming race.
Running the NY Marathon holds special significance for Zahra, as the youngest Afghan woman to enter the race. She dedicates her run to the women and girls in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries who, like her, dream of running free. It's an opportunity to raise awareness and support for their dreams. She looks forward to the camaraderie of fellow runners and the encouragement of spectators along the route, which will remind her of the people cheering her on when she ran in Kabul.
Being part of the team of runners from Afghanistan for Free to Run in this race fills Zahra with anticipation and gratitude. She sees it as an opportunity to remind herself and her teammates that they are in this together, supporting one another in their shared journey.
“I want to tell them that they are the reason I did not give up hope on myself and working for my dreams for Afghan women and girls. I love to see how girls fought for themselves and worked for their dreams; cause when girls are younger in such countries they are told they will never ever have wings to fly… but I see these women running and pushing each other up; I get motivated to be strong.”
In the past, Zahra has run a half marathon and a 10k in Kabul. She has also competed in snowboarding, winning recognition as part of Afghanistan’s national team. Currently, Zahra is pursuing an engineering degree in the United States. She aspires to run more marathons in the future, drawing inspiration from role models like Desiree Linden.
Zahra sees her participation in the NYC Marathon as an opportunity to showcase a different side of Afghanistan, one marked by pride and hard work. Using the skills Free to Run has taught her, she aims to amplify the voices of Afghan women and demonstrate their power to effect change. Zahra is grateful for the opportunities she has found in the United States, allowing her to be a part of a larger cause and to assist women in less privileged nations.
If you would like to show your support for Hasina, Fatima and Zahra, please consider making a donation to Free to Run on their JustGiving fundraising page.
