Iran has launched its first marathon open to international runners – but women will be banned from taking part “because of local regulations”.

The “I run Iran” race, on April 9 next year, will finish at the mighty Gate of all Nations at Persepolis , the 2,500-year-old seat of the First Persian Empire.

Organisers said the marathon, endorsed by Iranian authorities, will build relationships between Westerners and the Islamic Republic, allowing foreigners to experience “Persian culture, history and food”.

“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.”

But in an interview with Iranian outlet Mehr News, race founder Sebastian Straten, originally from Holland, admitted women would not be allowed to participate.

“Unfortunately, women are not allowed to run this first limited edition”, said Mr Straten. “There are many (Iranian) women who like to run and we hope in the next edition we get the permission for women to run the marathon.”

Iran's first marathon will finish at the Gate of all Nations at the Unesco site Persepolis (AP) Photo: AP

Mr Straten told Telegraph Travel that women would be able to spectate and join an accompanying city walk, and would be as involved as possible in organising the marathon. He said: "Iran, as you might know, has its own religious traditions and customs. 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."

"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." Sebastian Straten, marathon organiser

At present 15 Britons, 15 French men and two Canadians are among the 200 individuals from more than 35 countries who have registered for the event, which will be followed by a medal ceremony in Persepolis’ Apadana Palace, part of Darius the Great’s original design for his capital city.

Organisers are also holding a “Persian pasta party” on the eve of the marathon, accompanied by “live traditional music”.

Runners will depart from Shiraz's city gates (AP) Photo: AP

The marathon course goes from the city of Shiraz to the Gate of all Nations at Persepolis, one of Iran’s 19 Unesco World Heritage Sites and a typical stop on any tourist itinerary of the country. The route will lead past an ostrich farm and through pastures frequented by the Qashqai, one of Iran’s nomadic populations. Runners will pass through the small city of Marvdasht before reaching the finish line at Persepolis’ threshold.

The great Greek test of endurance of 26 miles and 385 yards features in the history of Persia – as Iran was known up until 1935. At the town of Marathon on the Greek mainland, Athenian forces defeated the Persians in 490 BC.

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Mr Straten, who also owns local tour operator Iran Silk Road, said the run was intended to bring people together regardless of cultural or religious background.

Ms Dowlat Nowrouzi, the representative of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in the United Kingdom, said it was not surprising that women had no role in the marathon or similar events in Iran. "Subjugation of women is completely institutionalized", she said, "Women are also barred from participating in many fields of sport in Iran, and they are even barred from attending stadiums as spectators."

Iran has been making efforts to lure foreign tourists since an historic nuclear accord was struck with western powers last July. Runners will have the opportunity to tour the country’s attractions, with Iran Silk Road tour packages including entry to the marathon alongside sightseeing trips.

All female visitors to Iran must comply with the dress code (Getty) Photo: Getty

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The limitations on female travellers who had hoped to participate in the “I run Iran” event are one facet of the codes that dictate women’s behaviour in the Islamic Republic. All females, including visitors, must wear a headscarf and loose clothes covering the hips at all times. They may also be seated separately from men on public transport and in some restaurants and cafes.