Hundreds of runners took part in Tehran’s first-ever marathon yesterday, but many women were outraged to find they could only run a short distance in a closed-off stadium, reports AFP from Tehran.
While men ran through Iran’s capital in the morning, women were allowed to run just 10 kilometres (six miles) in Azadi stadium in the afternoon—with no male spectators or officials permitted.
Many were baffled by the move, since there are no rules against men and women running together in Iran—and joggers of both sexes are often seen in parks and public areas.
“I registered but I quit. I took back my 500,000 rials ($15) because we were deceived,” Nasim, an architect in her 30s, told AFP.
“When they separate us, it is like they are casting us aside. They are insulting us. Everywhere in the world, marathons are held on public streets—not in a closed space,” she said.  
Sports Minister Massoud Solanifar denied claims that the separation of sexes was imposed at the last minute.
“From the start, there was no chance the competition would be mixed,” he told Iranian media.
Professional sporting events are strictly segregated in Iran. Women are not even allowed into sports stadiums to watch football—although they were allowed to watch Friday’s marathon.
“I didn’t know the run would be segregated and if had, I think I would not have signed up,” said Hedieh Madani, a 28-year-old teacher.