Swedish Runner to Challenge Anti-Iran Prejudice

TEHRAN (AIPFF) - Over a period of 58 days, Kristina Palten ran across the vastness of Iran, from the Turkish border through desert heat via the Caspian Sea, to snow-covered mountains near Turkmenistan.

TEHRAN (AIPFF) – Over a period of 58 days, Kristina Palten ran across the vastness of Iran, from the Turkish border through desert heat via the Caspian Sea, to snow-covered mountains near Turkmenistan.

She had no prior connection to the country, and she wanted to develop her own understanding beyond that portrayed by Western media. “I did this run to challenge my own prejudices about Iran and indeed my view changed” she said. During two months Kristina challenged herself for the unknown and her own prejudices about what a muslim country means for a lone woman running 1,144 miles.

The Iran journey will be portrayed in a book and a documentary she is now working on as a way to collect all her memories in one place. Overwhelmed by the kindness of the people she met, she has one message to the Iranian people: “Be proud of your generosity!”

AS she was asked why she chose to run through Iran. “For so many reasons,” she says. “The nature is supposed to be beautiful and the generous and kind people.” That, she continues, is at least if you listen to the people who have been to Iran. Others are likely to be influenced by the mainstream media’s more negative portrayal of the Islamic country.