Iranian international marathon is men only

Iran has announced its first international marathon, “I Run Iran,” saying the aim is to improve the country’s image in the West and to “clear the path towards peace and friendship.”

Just one thing is missing, though. Women. Race founder Sebastian Straten, a Dutchman who fell in love with the country while backpacking in 2005, told the Mehr News agency that “unfortunately, women are not allowed to run this first limited edition. There are many (Iranian) women who like to run and we hope in the next edition we (will) get the permission for women to run the marathon.”

The object of the race on April 9, which has been approved by the Iranian authorities, is to “unite humanity,” Mr Straten added. “I expect it to have a positive impact on the image the West has of Iran. It is more than a marathon. It is opening the Persian gates to tourism. To show the real beauty and treasures of Iran!”

To this end, Mr Straten’s Iran Silk Road travel agency is offering excursions to Shiraz and Persepolis, a Persian pasta party, a post-race visit to a hamam, a Persian poetry party and a round trip tour of Esfahan, Kashan and Tehran.

More than 200 men from 40 countries have already registered for half of the 400 places. These include 23 from the US and 15 from the UK.

The run starts at the historic Shiraz city gate and ends at the Persepolis Gate of all Nations, one of Iran’s 19 Unesco World Heritage Sites. Persepolis, founded by Darius I in 518 B.C.,was the legendary capital of the Achaemenid Empire. The route will take runners past an ostrich farm and Iranian nomads. Participants will be honored at the end of the event at the palace of Darius the Great.

Organizers hope the marathon will boost the profile of running as a sport in Iran, and will raise awareness and funds to save the endangered Iranian cheetah.