A note from James Willcox, Founder
This October sees the inaugural Marathon of Afghanistan in Bamian in the Central Highlands of Afghanistan. Held at an altitude of 2500 metres in the peaks of the Hindu Kush, it will start and finish under the niches that once held the world's largest Buddha statues. A symbolic place for an event that embodies the rebirth of sport in Afghanistan. It has been great helping to organise this event and we're excited to experience it.
Competitors include international and Afghan runners, such as Zainab and Zelofar, two incredible Afghan ladies fresh from their Gobi desert ultramarathon ( read about their 80km day in 40C heat here) and Baryalai Saidi, the self styled Afghan Skyrunner who trains on the mountains that circle Kabul.
The event is the brain child of adventurer James Bingham. He has visited Afghanistan three times, once to climb Afghanistan's highest peak Nowshak ( see report by the BBC here), once to climb the fabled Mir Samir and once to do an ultramarathon in the Wakhan Corridor. As well as having climbed Everest and attempted a crossing of the Bering Straits he organises an ultramarathon each year on the Isle of Anglesey called the Ring o Fire.
We have an incredible organiser and inspirational Afghan competitors. We just need a few more Internationals to take part. If running 26 miles in the heights of the Hindu Kush appeals, just get in touch.
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