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The 2025 Aotearoa Afhganistan Marathon

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:18:20 GMT

16 November 2025, Riverhead Forest, West Auckland.

Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon 2025

Timatanga Hou/New Beginnings present Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon held 16 November 2025 at Riverhead Forest in West Auckland. Taliban rule put an end to the Afghanistan Marathon in Bamyan, in the central highlands of Afghanistan, but the Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon reignites the same celebration of inclusivity, unity, and Afghan culture. We’re indebted to our friends at Lactic Turkey as we make this new dream a reality.

Save the Date! Announcement of the Second Afghanistan Aotearoa Marathon.

reza.siar@gmail.com — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:52:16 GMT

Timatanga Hou is thrilled to announce the second Afghanistan-Aotearoa Marathon, happening this November 16th at the scenic Auckland Riverhead.

This exciting event unites communities and celebrates resilience, all while showcasing the beauty of New Zealand's landscapes. Stay tuned for more details—it’s time to lace up and join this incredible journey!

[MUST WATCH] Free To Run's Afhganistan Experience

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 01:53:15 GMT

This short documentary is a moving account of the beginnings of Free To Run's work in solidarity with Afghan women and how they navigated the Taliban takeover.

Free To Run

Free to Run facilitates women's participation in outdoor sports. It began in Afghanistan and expanded first to Iraq and then other countries. This documentary mirrors the journey of some of those linked to Timatanga Hou/New Beginnings Foundation. D o watch and then sign up for our marathon – full or half – or the 6k walk/run.

Running together towards a brighter future

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 13:34:11 GMT

Inspired by the ground-breaking Marathon of Afghanistan and fuelled by the spirit of inclusivity, the Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon is set to make its mark in Riverhead, New Zealand.

The Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon

Organised by board member Gul, the Marathon of Afghanistan made history by witnessing the first-ever female participation in such a race in Afghanistan. The remarkable story was immortalised in the award-winning documentary " The Secret Marathon ," highlighting not just the physical feat of running but the breaking down of barriers. Below is a preview, the full movie can be viewed on Vimeo here .

Sadly, the political landscape shifted dramatically in August 2021 when the Taliban assumed control, leading to a stark reality where basic human rights, including access to education, work, and sports, were stripped away from Afghan women and many others.

Timatanga Hou was founded by a combination of experienced Kiwi NGO workers and Afghans who were evacuated to New Zealand following the crisis. As the Afghans had been supporting New Zealand government projects in their homeland, it was not safe for them to remain. The charity’s mission is clear: to empower newly arrived Afghans to live with dignity and unlock their full potential in their new homeland. Against this backdrop, it seems very fitting that the inaugural event of the foundation is another marathon, mirroring the ethos of unity and inclusivity.

Timatanga Hou's board members are no strangers to this ethos, having worked on projects funded by the New Zealand government in Afghanistan. They played a pivotal role in the hosting of New Zealand Defence Force personnel working on these projects with local Afghan families. These personnel were welcomed with open arms into this new environment, living with locals and participating in games and events, bringing two very different cultures together.

By encompassing this spirit of friendship, we hope that the first Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon will be seen not just as a race; but as a statement – by bringing together native New Zealanders and Afghan immigrants in a shared pursuit of a common goal, it will embody the power of togetherness and collaboration. It's not just about crossing the finish line; it's about running together towards a brighter future for all.

Gul's Story of New Beginnings

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 15:35:54 GMT

Board member Gul Hussien and his family narrowly escaped Kabul in late 2021. This and similar experiences underpin why we set up the charity. This story was initially published on Stuff.co.nz on May 22, 2023.

Afghan refugees in NZ look to restart family business stolen by the Taliban

Gul Hussien, his wife Mujaheda, and his family narrowly escaped Kabul, Afghanistan in late 2021.

When the Taliban retook power after 20 years of US military occupation, ordinary citizens like Gul, who is a Hazara, a member of a Shiite Muslim minority, found themselves in a desperately dangerous situation.

Gul and his family narrowly escaped, and now must rebuild their lives in Auckland. Watch their story above in No Place Like Home season two.

“I’m really happy and thank god that I am here in New Zealand ... I really want to take part in any positive things I can do for New Zealand.

“I will do my best,” he said.

A day after the first anniversary of the Taliban occupying Afghanistan, Hussien’s daughters started school in Pukekohe.

Meanwhile, his nieces back in Afghanistan are not allowed to go to school under Taliban rule.

Gul was forced to leave behind his successful tourism business, which he has missed dearly since leaving his home nation.

“I was involved with lots of cultural activities, tourism was a huge hope for Afghanistan ... tourists were showing the good and positive side of Afghanistan to the world,” he said.

Since his arrival, Gul has undertaken courses in horticulture, business and is now preparing to start at the New Zealand School of Tourism as he works to launch his own tour guide business.

Meanwhile, his wife Mujaheda is studying English and Computer Studies at the Manukau Institute of Technology.

While arriving in a new country is synonymous with challenges, Gul said the family’s experience in New Zealand had proved to be smooth sailing relative to the trials and tribulations they faced in Afghanistan.

“We have [had] in the past a lot of challenges, so we didn’t actually feel anything [was a challenge].

“I see my daughters and my family are happy and they are doing really good, their schools are very, very good, and I’m happy to see them and how they are excited,” Hussien said.