Ditching Mandatory Hijab, Iranian Women Run Free And Unveiled At Tehran 10-Km Race | Video

Last Updated:September 19, 2026, 12:49 IST

Compulsory hijab remains part of Iranian law, even as increasing numbers of women have appeared in public without headscarves since the 2022 protests.

Several women were seen running with their hair uncovered during the Tehran 10K at Velayat Park.

Videos of Iranian women running without headscarves at a 10-kilometre road race in Tehran were widely shared on social media, drawing attention to country’s compulsory hijab rules. Several women were seen running with their hair uncovered during the Tehran 10K at Velayat Park. Organisers held separate races for men and women, with the women’s event covering two laps of the 10-kilometre course.

Compulsory hijab remains part of Iranian law, even as increasing numbers of women have appeared in public without headscarves since the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests. Enforcement has continued in different forms, while government offices and many official establishments generally continue to require women to cover their hair.

The Tehran race also took place on the same day as the “Janfadayan-e Iran” rally, a large state-backed gathering elsewhere in the capital involving Revolutionary Guards, Basij members and volunteers pledging to defend the country. The two events were not connected but footage of the unveiled runners was also circulated by some state-affiliated accounts on X (formerly Twitter).

The juxtaposition drew attention because the race came months after authorities took action against organisers of a women’s road race on Kish Island after participants were seen competing without headscarves.

This comes four years after the death of Mahsa “Jina” Amini in morality police custody sparked nationwide protests under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom”. Since then, uncovered hair has become increasingly visible on Iranian streets and in some public spaces, despite the legal requirement.

Iranian distance runner Parisa Arab, the country’s national record holder in the women’s 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres and half marathon, won Friday’s race. Parisa Arab later shared a video showing moments from the event and her crossing the finish line. She said the encouragement from spectators gave her energy during the most difficult stages of the race.

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Who won the recent Tehran 10K road race where women ran unveiled?

Iranian distance runner Parisa Arab, who holds the national records in the women’s 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres, and half marathon, won Friday’s race at Velayat Park.

What laws regarding headscarves currently apply to women in Iran?

Compulsory hijab remains a part of Iranian law. Although increasing numbers of women have appeared in public without headscarves since the 2022 protests, government offices and official establishments continue to require women to cover their hair.

Where did the Tehran 10-kilometre women’s road race take place?

The race was held at Velayat Park in Tehran, featuring separate events for men and women with the women running two laps of the 10-kilometre course.

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