'I'm living my dreams': Iranian woman in St. John's finds freedom in running

For Ladan Jahankha, participating in her local running group is more than a fun pastime — it’s a dream come true. 

That's because before she moved to St. John’s in 2022, she lived in Iran — a country where women’s participation in sports is severely restricted.

“I'm so lucky to be here, to experience lots of things, that was my dream. But now I'm living my dreams here,” she said. “And I’m so happy.” 

According to the Center for Human Rights in Iran, Iranian women athletes are required to follow strict dress codes to participate in public sporting competitions. The group says that the Iranian government prevents women from participating in many sporting events.

In December, the BBC also reported that two marathon organizers were arrested for allowing women not wearing hijabs to participate. 

Jahankha told CBC News that she tried to start running in her 20s while living in Tehran. 

“But because of the situation, I couldn't do it. So, it was one of my dreams. So, I keep it in my heart,” she said. 

Now she works as a teacher in St. John’s, and after meeting a colleague who runs, she became interested in the sport once again.  

After finding a group of runners on Facebook, Jahankha said she was able to find a coach and beginner group. 

“He helped me a lot and all of the people in our running group are super welcoming,” she said. 

For 40 years, Iran banned women from soccer stadiums. This woman fought back

After deadly protests, more Iranian women choosing to defy hijab law despite the dangers

And while hostilities in the region caused by the United States-Iran conflict have continued, Jahankha said running also become a way to reduce stress and anxiety

“Even if I couldn't run on those days that don’t we have a running group