ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Nearly 100 women raced on a newly inaugurated road in Erbil province's Soran district on Monday, with participants saying they hoped the event would help secure a greater role for women in the community.
Darin Oghiz, who finished third, told Rudaw's Dilniya Rahman that the result was a deeply personal achievement. "It is a great feeling," Oghiz said. "I am very proud of this third place because I used all my ability," she added, noting that her parents' support had contributed to her achievement.
The four-kilometer race was organized by the Soran Women's Sports Activity Center. According to organizers, the event aimed to advocate for environmental protection and to encourage women in the conservative city to lead active and healthy lifestyles.
For many participants, the race marked the culmination of days of rigorous preparation.
Dilin, one of the participants, told Rudaw: "I have been training constantly for seven days. I ran a lot and went hiking in the mountainous areas to achieve my goal and gain first place."
"For me as a woman, it is a great feeling, and I would like to see women play a greater role in Kurdistan; that is why I participate in all these marathons," said participant Shawin Yaqoub.
Rana, a participant and long-distance runner who traveled from Duhok to compete, said she arrived in Soran immediately after finishing her final exams.
"I am a long-distance runner, and this is not my first time," Rana said, adding: "It is a great feeling to finish my final exams and head straight here to participate."
