Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Iranian Women Run Tehran 10K Without Mandatory Hijab
Women took part in a 10-kilometre race in Tehran without wearing headscarves.
The race was held separately from the men’s event.
Videos of the runners spread widely on the internet.
This attracted attention because Iran still legally requires women to wear the hijab in public.
More women have appeared in public without headscarves since protests in 2022.
Officials still enforce the rule in government offices and other official places.
A similar race on Kish Island previously led to action against its organizers.
Parisa Arab won the Tehran race.
Women competed without headscarves in the women’s Tehran 10K at Velayat Park on Friday.
Videos of the runners circulated widely online, including through some state-affiliated accounts.
Iran’s compulsory hijab requirement remains legally in place despite changing public behavior.
Authorities previously acted against organizers of a similar uncovered women’s race on Kish Island.
Parisa Arab won the women’s race and holds Iran’s national distance-running records.
- Who
- Women runners, including winner Parisa Arab, took part in the race.
- What
- Women competed in a Tehran 10K without mandatory headscarves, and videos went viral.
- When
- The race took place on Friday; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- Velayat Park in Tehran, Iran.
- Why
- The event drew attention because uncovered hair remains prohibited under Iran’s compulsory hijab rules and public attitudes have been changing.
Women Challenging Public Dress Rules
Authorities Maintaining Mandatory Hijab
Public appearance
Women Challenging Public Dress Rules
Increasing numbers of Iranian women have appeared in public without headscarves, and the Tehran race visibly reflected that change.
Authorities Maintaining Mandatory Hijab
Iranian authorities continue to regard the hijab as compulsory and enforce dress requirements in government offices and other official establishments.
Uncovered sporting events
Women Challenging Public Dress Rules
Women competed without headscarves at the Tehran race, drawing attention to changing public attitudes.
Authorities Maintaining Mandatory Hijab
Authorities previously acted against organizers of a similar women’s race on Kish Island, showing the risks associated with violating dress regulations at public gatherings.
- Event
- Women’s 10-kilometre road race
- Location
- Velayat Park, Tehran
- Participants
- Women competed in a separate women’s category and completed two laps.
- Winner
- Parisa Arab
- Legal context
- Wearing the hijab in public remains legally mandatory in Iran.
- Related precedent
- Authorities previously took action against organizers of a similar uncovered women’s race on Kish Island.
- Online response
- Videos circulated widely, including on some state-affiliated accounts on X.