First International marathon in Iran 0n Saturday 9th of April 2016

Iran Silk Road organizes the first marathon of Iran. The "I run Iran" marathon starts near
the city of Shiraz with a finish at Persepolis, the legendary capital of the Persian Empire.
Runners from all over the world are invited to participate in this unique, international event.

Iran Silk Road is determined to clear the path towards Peace and Friendship. Participants from many countries actively engage in achieving this goal by running and walking together! During the “I run Iran” event participants, partners and supporters get acquainted with the Persian culture and history. This official Iran marathon is endorsed by local Iranian authorities and the Iran Tourism Organization.

A Persian marathon

All marathon runners gather at the impressive Shiraz city gate for a transfer to the nearby start. The marathon finishes at Persepolis’ gate of all nations. After that participants are honoured at the palace of Darius the Great. This great Persian king of kings decreed 2500 years ago to embark on an expedition to conquer Athens. At the town of Marathon the Greek men bravely fought against the Persians. In modern times the marathon has become a symbol of peace and men will run together in friendship.

 Run to inspire

The first Iran marathon intends to inspire a large, young Iranian population to run for fun. The event will trigger a campaign for running as an outdoor sport activity. Most sports in Iran are practiced indoor. For the youth a “run 4 fun” will be held at the end of the race.

Run to protect

Run the Iran marathon to protect the fastest runner in the world: The Iranian Cheetah, a beautiful animal that is near extinction because of us humans. Fortunately there are other humans from the Iranian Cheetah Society that are trying hard to safe the lives and habitat of these fastest land animals in the world! A cheetah can reach a running speed up to 120 km/h (about 75 mph). The I run Iran organization will contribute in fundraising and creating awareness to this important Cheetah conservation project.

Discover the REAL Iran

This international sport event offers a unique chance to discover the real Iran. Shiraz is the city of poets, splendid Persian gardens, the nightingale and the Shiraz wine grape. Its inhabitants are generous and well known for their laid-back lifestyle. After the marathon participants have the opportunity to make a city trip to beautiful Esfahan and the capital of Tehran.

Event program

Shiraz has an international airport. Most participants will arrive at Shiraz for a 4 days ‘I run Iran’ event. Afterwards it is possible to book a roundtrip in Iran to the cities of Esfahan, Kashan and Teheran. The preliminary program will be the following:

Thursday 7th of April – Arrival in Shiraz

• Welcome at Shiraz airport
• Hotel check-in
• Collecting start number & info package
• Shiraz city discovery
• Hotel overnight

Friday 8th of April – Walk of the Women

• Breakfast
• Meeting point at the park
• Walk of the Women
• City excursion Shiraz
• Persian pasta party
• Hotel overnight

Saturday 9th of April – Marathon day

• Light breakfast
• Meeting point at Shiraz city gate
• Transfer to the start
• Start Marathon near Shiraz
• Finish at Persepolis
• Medal ceremony at Apadana palace
• Transfer back to hotel
• Hammam
• Hotel overnight

Sunday 10th of April – Roundtrip or return flight

• Breakfast
• Persian garden visit (optional)
• Check-out hotel
• Roundtrip Iran to Esfahan, Kashan and Tehran (optional)

Cost

Participation fee for this 4 days event is 420 euro PP.

395 euro pp

registration before 1st of December 2015

Includes:  Visa invitation, 3 nights hotel (in a 2p room with breakfast), excursions Shiraz & Persepolis with local English speaking guide, Persian pasta party, transfers to/from start/finish, the marathon run, 1st Iran marathon medal, medical support and local helpdesk.

not included: embassy visa fees and international flights

Optional 5 star Grand hotel Shiraz: supplemental 175 euro

The 5 star Grand hotel Shiraz is an excellent choice. This newly opened hotel is at walking distance from the Shiraz city gate, meeting place for the I run Iran marathon.

Optional 1p single supplement: 145 euro

Optional partnerpackage: supplemental 295 euro

Supplemental roundtrip Iran 6 days Esfahan, Kashan and Tehran.

Participation & registration

For the first time in history Iran opens its Persian gates to marathon runners. Iran Silk Road expects participants from at least fifty different countries. Already over 150 runners have pre-registered from 35 different countries.

The number of male runners for this first Iran marathon is limited to 400. So be quick with your online registration! The following criteria are taken into account for final participation.

• Moment of registration
• Variety of countries

Participants can register by using this form.

Source: I run Iran