Women in Trail
FREE TO RUN
Eight women from Iraq and Afghanistan run their first international trail race at Mallorca by UTMB®, thanks to Free to Run and UTMB Cares.
Eight women. Eight stories of courage, hope, and freedom. Nyan, Yasamin, Habiba, Nazira, Hulya, Fatima, Nazima, and Hanifa crossed the finish line of the CDA 20K (26 km) at Mallorca by UTMB®, turning a dream into reality.
Thanks to the collaboration between Free to Run and UTMB Cares, the endowment fund of the UTMB Group, these women —from Iraq and Afghanistan, countries where running freely has not always been possible— lived an experience that will mark their lives forever.
For months, they trained with the support of the Free to Run program, which provided mentorship, training, 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’ve come — not only in kilometers but in strength and in hope,” shared Yasamin, one of the Afghan participants.
Race day was filled with emotion, hugs, tears, laughter. The eight women ran and crossed the finish line to the applause of runners and spectators. In that moment, trail running became a universal symbol of equality and resilience.
“Seeing them run and celebrate together was profoundly inspiring. They represent the best of our community — the power of sport to unite and transform,” said Xavier Pocino, CEO of UTMB Iberia.
This first participation marks only the beginning. In 2026, a new group of young women from Iraq will follow in their footsteps, continuing a journey that is already opening 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 sees them. That connection changes lives,” added Sarah Murray, Executive Director of Free to Run.
Through this collaboration, Free to Run and UTMB Cares show 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 origin, can find their place.
The stories of Nyan, Yasamin, Habiba, Nazira, Hulya, Fatima, Nazima, and Hanifa will be shared across the Free to Run and UTMB World Series channels, continuing to inspire more women to believe that yes — anything is possible.
