Iran has launched its first ever marathon open to tourists, but women are barred from taking part.
Organisers hoped the race could ‘unite humanity’, but due to ‘local regulations’ only men will be allowed to run.
Held on April 9 next year, the finish line of ‘I Run Iran’ will be at the Gate of all Nations in Persepolis, the ancient capital of the First Persian Empire.
In an interview with Mehr News, Dutch founder Sebastian Straten said: ‘Unfortunately, women are not allowed to run… There are many women who like to run and we hope in the next edition we get the permission for women to run the marathon.’
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He said the run was intended to build relationships between Iran and the West and give foreigners a taste of Persian culture, history and food.
In an interview with Telegraph Travel, he said women would be allowed to join a city walk to be held alongside, would help organise the race and cheer on runners.
‘Iran, as you might know, has its own religious traditions and customs’, he told the Telegraph. ‘Local (religious) authorities are not yet acquainted with the concept of public (female) running. So we invite all men to participate and show how sport can unite.’
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