For Ladan Jahankha, participating in her local running group is more than a fun pastime — it’s a dream come true.
That’s because before she moved to St. John’s in 2022, she lived in Iran — a country where women’s participation in sports is severely restricted.
“I’m so lucky to be here, to experience lots of things, that was my dream. But now I’m living my dreams here,” she said. “And I’m so happy.”
According to the Center for Human Rights in Iran, Iranian women athletes are required to follow strict dress codes to participate in public sporting competitions. The group says that the Iranian government prevents women from participating in many sporting events.
In December, the BBC also reported that two marathon organizers were arrested for allowing women not wearing hijabs to participate.
Jahankha told CBC News that she tried to start running in her 20s while living in Tehran.
“But because of the situation, I couldn’t do it. So, it was one of my dreams. So, I keep it in my heart,” she said.
Now she works as a teacher in St. John’s, and after meeting a colleague who runs, she became interested in the sport once again.
After finding a group of runners on Facebook, Jahankha said she was able to find a coach and beginner group.
“He helped me a lot and all of the people in our running group are super welcoming,” she said.
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And while hostilities in the region caused by the United States-Iran conflict have continued, Jahankha said running also become a way to reduce stress and anxiety
“Even if I couldn’t run on those days that don’t we have a running group together, I try to do it by myself,” she said. “Now it’s a part of my life and I love it.”
Last month, Jahankha participated in a Pride race with her husband and daughter, and has plans to run another 5 kilometre race on Aug. 16.
“Thank you, Canada, to give us lots of opportunities that unfortunately we couldn’t get it in our country because of lots of restrictions and lots of things that are happening these days,” she said. “But we are so happy and we are so glad that we are here and we are free.”
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