Look at the picture again, and again. I cant believe my eyes. The hamburger I am eating is hard to swallow. WOW!!
I see a picture of Akbar, the man as I ran with for two days in Iran, crossing the finishing line in the first International Marathon run ever in Iran, holding an American flag over his head.
He does it for Peace. For Friendliness. For showing that foreigners, even Americans, are welcome to his country.
The race is arranged by people from Belgium. They contacted me, as they realized that I have been running through Iran, to exchange experiences of running. They also invited me to be a guest of honor during the race, and I would have loved that. There was only one problem – women were not allowed to run. Neither were Americans. The Belgian guys had applied for a permit for female runners, but were denied that. I thought it felt strange to be a guest of honor without being allowed to run. I suggested that I could come, and that I would run the opposite way, doing high fives with all the other runners. Then I would not be a part of the race, but still running. I understand that this idea might be a bit risky for the organizers.
Anyhow, Akbar ran the race. Akbar who took care of me in such a good way when I was passing Marand in northwest Iran, and who is also taking care of almost any biker who is passing the country. His network of friends is as incredibly large as his heart.
And now this. What a statement! I am so deeply impressed! For this magnificent way to emphasize that he wants a world of Peace, a world of Friendship. For his way to express what he believes in, no matter what anyone else is thinking. For his courage, for his faith.
He is risking a lot by this gesture. He might be harassed, his life and business might be obstructed, and there is nowhere he can go easily to set himself in safety. That would mean leaving his current life. Still, he makes what he thinks is right.
Thanks Akbar for showing me the way. You reminded me of the importance of always standing for what I believe in. It is so simple and so difficult, and so important.
You are a great person, a great runner and a fantastic role-model.
I simply love what you did.