By James Dunn

March 4

The Secret 3K returns to Red Deer in support of gender equality

Feb 25, 2020 | 6:45 PM

On Wednesday, March 4, during the leading up to International Women’s Day, thousands of people across Canada and around the world will lace up their runners to show their support for everyone’s right to run free.

Inspired by award-winning documentary film, The Secret Marathon, which tells the story of the first women in Afghanistan to run a marathon, participants will participate in The Secret 3K – an annual run/walk event to celebrate gender equality and safe and inclusive spaces.

The Secret 3K is hosted by The Running Room and Girl Guides Canada and will take place in 15 cities across Canada, including Red Deer.

The Secret Marathon movie, produced and directed by Red Deer native Kate McKenzie, shines a light on Afghanistan where girls aren’t allowed to run and get in on physical exercise.

“I was inspired by such brave women and girls who fought for equality and at times, risked their lives for the freedom to run outdoors. When I returned to Canada, I was struck by the stories of so many women who told me they didn’t feel safe to walk or run at night right here in Canada.” McKenzie says.

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Bre Fitzpatrick, one of the organizers for the Red Deer event, says it’s meant to show solidarity for the women who don’t have the freedoms that they would in Canada.

“As we look at our communities, there are freedoms for all of us to feel safe and have the right to be a part of the communities that we see and want to participate in. It probably resonates a little more with Canadians; we talk about a lot of community safety pieces. I think we have to talk about us just feeling safe in the places we are creating: Safe communities and safe spaces.”

Fitzpatrick says this event perfectly fits on International Women’s Week.

“We wanted to hop on and leverage the fact that this is about women running freely and safely. We thought we’ll use some momentum that happens around International Women’s Day on March 8.”

The event starts at the Scott Block Theatre at 6:30 p.m.

You can visit thesecretmarathon.com for more information.