The annual Erbil International Marathon took place on Friday, October 27. The full 42km race, however, was canceled, with only the 5km and 10km events going ahead, due fighting between federal Iraqi forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga close to the city.
Erbil International Marathon —
The annual Erbil International Marathon took place on Friday, October 27. The full 42km race, however, was canceled, with only the 5km and 10km events going ahead, due fighting between federal Iraqi forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga close to the city.
Leila Molana-Allen
Despite the disruption, 2,000 people still participated. Here, runners stream onto the course after the starting buzzer.
Erbil International Marathon —
Despite the disruption, 2,000 people still participated. Here, runners stream onto the course after the starting buzzer.
Leila Molana-Allen
A professional Kurdish runner warms up at the start line. Some Iraqis who had made it to Erbil to run the full race were disappointed it was canceled, but organizers said they hoped to bring reinstate the 42km race next year.
Erbil International Marathon —
A professional Kurdish runner warms up at the start line. Some Iraqis who had made it to Erbil to run the full race were disappointed it was canceled, but organizers said they hoped to bring reinstate the 42km race next year.
Leila Molana-Allen
Organizers said 20% of participants were female.
Erbil International Marathon —
Organizers said 20% of participants were female.
Leila Molana-Allen
Two local female participants wearing the hijab run hand in hand at the race.
Erbil International Marathon —
Two local female participants wearing the hijab run hand in hand at the race.
Leila Molana-Allen
Besides female runners, many of the volunteers were female. Students from Kurdish universities also volunteered at the event.
Erbil International Marathon —
Besides female runners, many of the volunteers were female. Students from Kurdish universities also volunteered at the event.
Leila Molana-Allen
Many runners, both male and female, picked roses from the parks beautiful gardens to wear behind their ears.
Erbil International Marathon —
Many runners, both male and female, picked roses from the parks beautiful gardens to wear behind their ears.
Leila Molana-Allen
A woman runs through Erbil's spacious Sami Abdulrahman Park.
Erbil International Marathon —
A woman runs through Erbil's spacious Sami Abdulrahman Park.
Leila Molana-Allen
Many participants ran in aid of local and international charities in Erbil.
Erbil International Marathon —
Many participants ran in aid of local and international charities in Erbil.
Leila Molana-Allen
The first and third place winners of the women's race wave the Kurdish flag.
Erbil International Marathon —
The first and third place winners of the women's race wave the Kurdish flag.
Leila Molana-Allen
A supporter proudly waves the Kurdish flag during the race.
Erbil International Marathon —
A supporter proudly waves the Kurdish flag during the race.
Leila Molana-Allen
Kurdish flags lined the marathon route with pop music blasting out along the route in the Sami Abdulrahman Park.
Erbil International Marathon —
Kurdish flags lined the marathon route with pop music blasting out along the route in the Sami Abdulrahman Park.
Leila Molana-Allen
A father and daughter team run past signs advocating Kurdish independence.
Erbil International Marathon —
A father and daughter team run past signs advocating Kurdish independence.
Leila Molana-Allen
Runners flashed peace signs, calling for an end to conflict in the country.
Erbil International Marathon —
Runners flashed peace signs, calling for an end to conflict in the country.
Leila Molana-Allen
One expat participant ran the whole course with her daughter in a stroller.
Erbil International Marathon —
One expat participant ran the whole course with her daughter in a stroller.
Leila Molana-Allen
Supporters eagerly looking out for their friends and families at the finish line.
Erbil International Marathon —
Supporters eagerly looking out for their friends and families at the finish line.
Leila Molana-Allen
A German runner who reached Erbil for the race catches her breath at the end of the course.
Erbil International Marathon —
A German runner who reached Erbil for the race catches her breath at the end of the course.
Leila Molana-Allen
A runner takes off shoes and walks barefoot after the long run.
Erbil International Marathon —
A runner takes off shoes and walks barefoot after the long run.
Leila Molana-Allen
An expat runner stretches at the end of the marathon. After the race, there was a winners' awards ceremony and martial arts performances.
Erbil International Marathon —
An expat runner stretches at the end of the marathon. After the race, there was a winners' awards ceremony and martial arts performances.
Leila Molana-Allen
Teachers at a local international school, from Zimbabwe and Lebanon, head to the party after the race.
Erbil International Marathon —
Teachers at a local international school, from Zimbabwe and Lebanon, head to the party after the race.
Leila Molana-Allen
Supporters and runners enjoyed and rested at the Sami Abdulrahman Park after the race.
Erbil International Marathon —
Supporters and runners enjoyed and rested at the Sami Abdulrahman Park after the race.
Leila Molana-Allen