In November 2016 I ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for freedom and equality. In the race, I ran with Kubra, who four months earlier had to stop her training due to the death of her friend in a terrorist bombing. We completed the 42.2kms with 8 minutes to go before the cut off time. Kubra was supported by Free to Run, an organization that uses sport to develop women and girls who live in areas of conflict.

Photo courtesy of Martin Parnell.

Returning to Canada I wanted help Free to Run in a project that they were planning; the first ever camping and kayaking trip for Afghan women and girls. On my annual December 31st run/walk we raised over $6,000, and the trip was set for the summer of 2017.

Below is the blog, written by Free to Run, on that trip:

In the summer of 2017 Free to Run embarked on an unprecedented camping and kayaking expedition in the Panjshir Valley. Eleven female participants from multiple provinces in Afghanistan participated. Not only was it their first experience in Panjshir Valley, but it was the first time they had ever camped outdoors or kayaked. It was also the first time an Afghan female had ever kayaked in the country!

Photo courtesy of Martin Parnell.

Upon arrival in Panjshir, the team visited the grave of Ahmad Shah Massoud, a famous Afghan political and military leader. The team then journeyed another two hours into the valley to set up a temporary camp at the base of one of the tallest mountains in the region.

They had an introductory meeting over green tea and sweets with the district governor, police chief, and elders, who were all interested in their experience as female adventurers. Although there were several concerns as to whether the team would be able to summit the mountain to the glacial lake at the peak, the participants managed to convince them of their capabilities with stories of running marathons and hiking through other Afghan mountains.

Photo courtesy of Martin Parnell



What is the one new sport or skill you learned on this trip? “Camping. It changed my life. It showed that we can live without anything and just be happy!” Hasina, Age 21

After several well-wishes, the team pulled all their gear and food from the van and set off on a short one hour hike up to a plateau camp for the night. Although only two participants were formally trained on setting up tents, the others took to it with enthusiasm. All of their tents were set up before dark.

After dinner around a large campfire, the team turned-in for the night. They were up again before dawn so they could get an early start and beat the summer heat. Although the climb was very steep, the girls remained in good spirits by playing music, singing, and sharing stories about their home provinces.

Photo courtesy of Martin Parnell.

They arrived at the lake at an approximate altitude of 4,425 meters five hours after departing from base camp just in time to picnic on the shores for lunch. A few hours of napping in the sun and exploring the lake, they started on the descent.

After 10 hours of hiking, the team started their second campfire to make dinner. They talked about the day and were very proud of what they accomplished. Some of the village elders came to visit and were happily surprised to hear of their success. “No women, not even most of the men in this village, are able to get up to the lake!” they said.

The next day the team packed up camp to return to Kabul, where they would get their first lesson in kayaking on a lake in the outskirts of the city. While the original plan was to kayak the Panjshir River, the authorities were worried about the girls’ safety due to the conservative culture of the valley. Free to Run found an alternative solution which was to kayak on a lake outside Kabul.

Photo courtesy of Martin Parnell.

“My favorite memory of the trip was the kayak session, after days of uncertainty it culminated in such a wonderful day with nothing but huge smiles.” Joe, the kayak instructor

Before the participants could get into boats and start practicing strokes, Joe had to teach all but one of the participants how to swim. “They were exceptional in their attitude, confidence, and willingness to try. Of all the non-swimmers I have taught to kayak, which is not many, they were easily the most fearless,” he said.

A few hours later, the participants were gliding through the water in their own kayaks. Others practiced swimming nearby, waiting for their turn in the kayaks. Although Afghanistan is a dry landlocked country, it is also home to many rivers and lakes traversing thousands of Kilometers.

Photo courtesy of Martin Parnell

“Afghanistan has a huge potential for kayaking, both touring and white-water. It will take time, energy, patience, and a collective effort, but in the long run, it is inevitable.” Joe, the kayak instructor

Our thanks to the entire Free to Run community for making it possible to have another ground-breaking sports program in Afghanistan. In the words of 21-year-old Fatima, who participated in this expedition:

“Girls who do sports can be an example for others who live in narrow-minded places. We can encourage other girls to do sports on these trips.”

Photo courtesy of Martin Parnell.

By Martin Parnell.

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