I'm tackling my first ultra marathon with two of the most incredibly strong Afghan women I know- Zeinab and Hasina! This fundraiser directly supports their training in Afghanistan, the visas they will need to get to the race, and our journey to the Gobi Desert to race in Racing the Planet's Gobi Desert March, a 7 day 250 km footrace with a pack of gear on your back. I've had the immense pleasure to run alongside these two for the last year and a half. Kilometer after kilometer and early morning training after late night sessions, I've never heard them complain once, because every moment you get to run outside in Afghanistan is a gift not to be taken for granted. In 2017, I saw them cross the finish line of their first marathon, the 3rd annual Marathon of Afghanistan, and I've seen how it's transformed them since. They both now lead their own Community Development Teams to encourage girls in their communities to get outdoors and participate in sports. They embody everything I could ever hope to see this organization achieve, and as we've grown to encompass over 100 young female athletes I've relied on them more and more to help me manage the programs. Your donation will help us get them to the next big step in their lives- running their first ultramarathon! Knowing these two, it won't be just a race you're supporting, but another experience they will use to engage more girls in Afghanistan in sports. Fundraising Goal Breakdown: Obtaining Visas- $900, 3 Return Trips from Kabul to Mongolia- $6000, Transportation to Training for 5 months- $1500, Gear for Race $1600. Check out www.freetorun.org to find out more! Thank you for your support- we can't do it without you!
