Ladan Jahankha finds fulfillment in her local running group, which goes beyond just a hobby for her – it represents the realization of a long-held aspiration. Moving to St. John’s in 2022 was a turning point for Jahankha, who previously lived in Iran where women face significant restrictions on participating in sports.
In Iran, female athletes must adhere to strict dress codes for public sporting events, as highlighted by the Center for Human Rights in Iran. The government in Iran limits women’s involvement in various sports, as reported by the BBC, which documented the arrest of marathon organizers for permitting women without hijabs to take part.
Jahankha shared with CBC News her desire to start running back when she lived in Tehran in her 20s, but the circumstances there thwarted her ambition. However, in St. John’s, working as a teacher, she rediscovered her passion for running after connecting with a colleague who is also a runner.
Through a Facebook group, Jahankha found a supportive running community, complete with a coach and beginners’ group. She expressed gratitude for the warm reception she received from fellow runners, noting the positive impact it had on her running journey.
Amid ongoing tensions stemming from the U.S.-Iran conflict, Jahankha emphasized that running has become a vital outlet for managing stress and anxiety. She views running not just as a physical activity but as an integral part of her life, describing her love for it and the sense of freedom it provides.
Recently, Jahankha participated in a Pride race alongside her family, with plans to join another 5-kilometer race on August 16. Expressing gratitude for the opportunities Canada has offered her, Jahankha acknowledged the limitations she faced in her home country and expressed joy in being able to pursue her passion freely in her new environment.
