5th November 2025

Eight women from Iraq and Afghanistan take part in their first international trail running race at Mallorca by UTMB®, thanks to Free to Run and UTMB Cares.

The joint project by Free to Run and UTMB Cares enabled eight women from Iraq and Afghanistan to take part in their first international trail running race: the CDA 20K at Mallorca by UTMB®. An initiative that highlights the power of sport to transform lives and open doors to inclusion.

Thanks to the collaboration between Free to Run and UTMB Cares, the UTMB Group's endowment fund, these women — from Iraq and Afghanistan, countries where running freely has not always been possible — enjoyed an experience that will stay with them forever.

For months, they trained with the support of Free to Run's programme, which provided guidance, education and a community that believes in the transformative power of sport. In Mallorca, surrounded by the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana, the Mediterranean Sea and the warmth of hundreds of fellow runners, they found more than just a finish line: they found freedom.

“Running this race was an unforgettable experience. Every step reminded me how far we have come, not just in kilometres, but in strength and hope,” shared Yasamin, one of the Afghan participants.

Race day was filled with emotion. Hugs, tears and laughter. All eight women ran and crossed the finish line to the applause of fellow runners and spectators. In that moment, trail running became a universal symbol of equality and resilience.

“Watching them run and celebrate together was deeply inspiring. They represent the very best of our community: the power of sport to bring people together and transform lives,” said Xavier Pocino, CEO of UTMB Iberia. This first participation is just the beginning. In 2026, a new group of young women from Iraq will follow in their footsteps, continuing a journey that is already opening up new horizons for women around the world. “For many of them, running began as an act of courage. Today, thanks to this partnership, they feel part of a global community that supports and recognises them. That connection changes lives,” added Sarah Murray, Executive Director of Free to Run.

Through this collaboration, Free to Run and UTMB Cares are showing that trail running can be much more than a sport: it can be a tool for empowerment, a universal language of hope and a space where everyone, regardless of their background, can find a place to belong.

The stories of Nyan, Yasamin, Habiba, Nazira, Hulya, Fatima, Nazima and Hanifa will be shared across Free to Run and UTMB World Series channels, inspiring more women to believe that anything is possible.