Running in the Secret Marathon
The local chapter of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan (CW4WAfghan) and the Running Room are co-hosting a walk/run event, The Secret Marathon 3K. Held on the eve of International Women’s Day, March 7, the event will celebrate the freedom to run, gender equality and safe spaces for women. It is also a fundraiser for the local chapter of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan (CW4WAFghan) to support the education of women and their families in Afghanistan. Money raised will also be donated to aid in the completion of the documentary film The Secret Marathon (after which this event is named), due for release in 2018.
The Secret Marathon, by Canadians, Martin Parnell and Kate McKenzie, is a film about women marathoners in Afghanistan, who, due to cultural traditions, had to train and run secretly in order to run in Afghanistan’s first official marathon.
It portrays “the brave women who ventured to run alongside men in a nation where it is culturally unacceptable for women to ride a bike, go for a run, and, often, pursue an education,” states a release for the event. “Pre-race secrecy about the timing and location is vital as Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan are a constant deadly threat, particularly when women dare to take part alongside men. Training, even, requires secret routes and times due to the threats of insults and stoning.
For further information on the film, visit www.thesecreatmarathon.com
Similar runs will take place at the same time at Running Room stores in ten other Canadian cities.
The run/walk begins at the Running Room, 210 Hunter St. W. with registration taking place at 5:30 p.m. and the walk/run starting at 6:30 p.m. Afghan crafts will also be offered for sale and after-run refreshments will be provided.
The cost is $15. To register visit www.events.runningroom.com/ site/?raceId=14758 or register on the evening of the race. For further information contact Melodie McCullough at Melodie.McCullough@gmail.com or 705-748-6251.
Palliative volunteers
Hospice Peterborough is offering an introductory orientation session in March to provide the community with an opportunity to learn more about volunteering with the organization. Interested individuals should call to register to attend an afternoon session either Thursday, March 1 or Friday, March 2. Enrollment is limited.
Following the orientation sessions and an interview process, successful candidates will be invited to join the hospice volunteer training. The spring session begins in April and runs for 10 weeks, with one threehour meeting each week.
The 30-hour series is designed for people interested in providing support for individuals living with life-threatening illness. The course explores issues related to death and dying, supporting people who are grieving and care for the caregiver. This course will introduce the volunteers to the concepts of hospice care and prepare them for supporting individuals following the guidelines of Hospice’s philosophy of care.
Hospice Peterborough offers support to individuals and families living with or affected by life-threatening illness and grief. To learn more about Hospice visit hospice peter borough. org/
For more information on volunteering or to register for one of the sessions contact Paula Greenwood, Manager of volunteer services, at 705-742-4042 or pgreenwood@hospicepeterborough.org