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.