The New York City Marathon: Kubra's Story

Kubra collects her bib ahead of the 2019 TSC New York City Marathon

Back in 2017, I saw a picture of the NYC Marathon, thousands of runners crossing the Brooklyn Bridge and I wished one day to run the NYC Marathon and cross that bridge. On 3rd November 2019, I ran the NYC Marathon alongside 53,000 runners from all over the world. That day the dream came true. 

My name is Kubra and I am a 28 year-old Afghan female runner having just started my 4th year of running this December. I have run six marathons in three years and am willing to do more in my life as the NYC Marathon, the biggest marathon in the world, has inspired me. 

The story of how I got to the NYC Marathon 2019 actually began in 2018. Through a friend of Free to Run, my name and our Executive Director’s name were on the list to run the virtual NYC Marathon in Afghanistan on behalf of Free to Run. The virtual marathon takes place at the same time as the New York City marathon but with participants running the 26.2 miles around a military base in Afghanistan. Unfortunately due to security risks this event was forced to be cancelled. Because of this, in mid-2019 the organizers of the NYC Marathon provided us with complementary bibs for the 2019 race. 

When we heard this great news, we immediately applied for my visa. This arrived on the third week of October. Yes, only 10 days before the actual race! Free to Run set up a fundraising page in order to raise money to cover the cost of this great opportunity. Despite the last-minute notice, our supporters helped us to raise the money. I would like to thank again those who donated and helped me to experience this race.  

Kubra addressing members of the New York Flyers at their pre-marathon pasta dinner.

During my visit to New York City, I met several people and talked to them about Afghanistan, female athletes, and the challenges we face during our training. This time talking to people was different, as it was not just for me. I was representing girls back in my country. I was talking for them. It was a lot of pressure, but at the same time it excited me and I was encouraged that the people who listened to me, listened with their whole heart, showed empathy, and offered to support and help in the ways they could. 

The biggest part of this experience was the TCS NYC Marathon. I had never seen an event like this race. The whole city went crazy! Everyone was talking about it and ready to support the runners on the day. There were many events leading up to the race, and lots of preparation by the people racing. 

In my mind, I kept saying to myself in this race I am running alone and there is no one with me. I am not used to this as we run in groups and practice in groups back in my country, and I assumed I would be alone. But, just right before start time, when seeing all the runners, standing by my side on start line, that was the moment I felt I am not alone. I felt deeply connected with each one of these runners. We went through all the hardship of running a marathon together. It made me feel stronger, even though I had an appendix surgery two months before the race and so had not enough training. 

The people on the sides of the road cheering each one of the runners was extraordinary. It was beautiful how warmly the people encouraged you and gave you energy during the whole race, how respectfully volunteers would treat you and offer you water and nutrition. In Afghanistan, we do not have as many supporters.

The famous Brooklyn Bridge

Seeing all the runners, standing by my side on start line, that was the moment I felt I am not alone. I felt deeply connected with each one of these runners.

Although, I was in a bad pain, I could finish this incredible race happily.

Some of my friends have asked me, “What is next, Kubra?” I told them I want to run the Boston Marathon next. Let’s see if this dream will come true. Now, I am back in my country and I am thinking on how a simple act of running can bring people together and connect them as a nation. Thank you to the New York Road Runners for organizing the NYC Marathon and Free to Run for helping me experience this. 

At the end I would like to say — give your mind any picture of the future and it will bring it into reality for you.