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The Secret 3k – Safe Races, Safe Spaces

Since its inception, The Secret 3k has grown to become an international movement with 15 affiliated events across Canada and 12 countries participating around the world.
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Ecole Notre Dame des Vallees Students participating in The Secret 3k. Photo submitted

By Martin Parnell
Special to the Cochrane Eagle

One month ago I participated in an event that would not happen today due to COVID-19. On Wednesday, Mar. 4 at 3:30 p.m. a group of students, teachers and parents lined up outside Ecole Notre-Dame des Vallees School in Cochrane. They were all there for one reason: To participate in The Secret 3k.

The Secret 3k, now in its third year, was inspired by film-maker Kate McKenzie’s documentary film The Secret Marathon, in which she and I traveled to Afghanistan to support that country’s first female marathoners. Since its inception, The Secret 3k has grown to become an international movement with 15 affiliated events across Canada and 12 countries participating around the world.

“While filming a documentary in Afghanistan” Kate said, “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 in Calgary.

The Secret 3k was launched to reclaim safe public spaces and champion gender equality here at home. We’re excited to have The Running Room and Girl Guides of Canada joining us for The Secret 3k because it will help us to reach one of our goals of making a difference here in Canada to promote safe and inclusive spaces and empower young people to be part of creating that change.”

As The Secret 3k was about to start at Ecole Notre-Dame des Vallees, one of the students did the countdown from 10 and we were off. Everyone ran and walked at their own pace along the Bow River pathways proudly wearing their “EQUALITY” bibs. One kilometre in we spotted a herd of deer and a buck. Amazing. At the turn-around spot I waited for all the participants to pass then I headed back.

As the students crossed the line everyone cheered and gave each other hi-fives. They were thrilled that they had completed 3 km and done something to help others. In this case it was supporting three very worthwhile causes: The Girl Guides of Canada, Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan and the Marathon of Afghanistan.

As the students, parents and teachers headed off home they all said that they wanted to do it again next year.

The run/walk takes place during the week of International Women's Day and celebrates gender equality and creating safe and inclusive spaces. Next year's event will take place on Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2021.

Together we will get through this. See you there.

© 2020 Martin Parnell
[email protected]
www.martinparnell.com

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