Thousands of women took part in a marathon on Kish Island in southern Iran without wearing the hijab, in an event widely interpreted as a powerful symbol of the country’s ongoing social and cultural shifts. Footage from the race showed participants dressed in red T shirts with their hair uncovered as they lined up at the starting point, later posing freely with their medals after the run.
The event attracted more than 25,000 tourists, but it also triggered a swift response from Iranian authorities, who arrested two of the organisers for allowing unveiled women to compete.
Iran’s judiciary confirmed the arrests through its official Mizan Online platform, which reported that “two of the main organisers of the competition were arrested on warrants”. It added that “one of those arrested is an official in the Kish Free Zone, and the other works for the private company that organised the race”. The local prosecutor said the event had been held in violation of Iran’s laws and moral codes despite earlier warnings, stating, “Despite previous warnings regarding the need to comply with the country’s current laws and regulations, as well as religious, customary, and professional principles … the event was held in a way that violated public decency.” He added that, “Considering the violations that occurred and based on the laws and regulations, a criminal case has been filed against the officials and agents organising this event.”
State affiliated media and hardline figures reacted strongly to the marathon. The Tasnim news agency claimed the event did not fit within “official frameworks” and accused Kish Free Zone and sports officials of ignoring prior warnings, comparing the women’s appearance to “nudity”. The agency said the race promoted “open, public unveiling and debauchery,” adding that those responsible “must be punished immediately.” A hardline activist writing under the name Aminizadeh described the organisers as “careless and dishonourable” and branded the race a “disco marathon,” asking, “Is this the Islamic Republic or the Las Vegas Republic. Who sponsored this stupid act?”
At the same time, supporters of reform and women’s rights widely celebrated the images as further evidence of Iranian women rejecting strict dress restrictions imposed by the authorities. The incident has also drawn international attention, with Amnesty International calling for the immediate release of those detained. The rights group said, “Women running a marathon without veils should never lead to arrests. Yet Iranian authorities have detained organisers and continue punishing women and girls resisting compulsory veiling.” As of now, the fate of those arrested remains unclear.
