The Erbil Marathon For Peace + Love

The Erbil International Marathon was established in 2013 as an international sport event to establish love, peace and non-violence in Iraq, and to inform the world that there is a strong community of leaders of civil society in Iraq who are committed to peace and nonviolence.

The marathon was established by the Erbil Marathon Organization for Sport & Peace, a non-governmental sport organization founded officially in April 2015 under Iraqi Kurdistan Region laws. The Erbil Marathon Organization for Sport & Peace, in addition to the marathon, also organizes shorter runs and other sport activities throughout the year to engage people in spreading peace, love and non-violence in a community still recovering from 15 years of war and insurgency.

The marathon draws men, women and children from local communities and also from around the world, participating individually or in groups representing NGOs, UN agencies, universities, schools, sports clubs, government agencies and even corporations doing business in Iraq. In the past, proceeds from the marathon has supported the Peshmerga, an elite fighting force that protects Northern Iraq, and currently supports refugee and IDP groups, such as the Darashakran Run Club.

To donate money, go to the Darashakran Run Club Just Giving Page or contact Adrian Brune at ambrune@gmail.com for a donation of lightly used running shoes, clothes and other gear.