Full Breakdown
Tehran’s Dual Display: Unveiled Marathon Runners and a Massive Pro-Regime Parade
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Events – Marathon and “Devotees of Iran” Parade
On Friday, September 18, 2026, Tehran hosted two contrasting public spectacles. At Velayat Park, a 10-km women’s marathon began at 5:30 a.m., with several participants running without the mandatory headscarf. Simultaneously, the “Devotees of Iran” (Janfada-ye Iran) parade assembled in central Tehran, featuring Basij forces, campaign volunteers and senior officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian. State media reported 313,000 participants and displayed military hardware and drones.
Background – Hijab Law and Recent Social Tensions
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women have been required to wear the hijab in public. The death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 sparked nationwide protests, after which a growing number of women have publicly refused the dress code—a trend evident in both the marathon and pro-government rallies.
Legal Action Against Marathon Organizers
The semi-official Fars news agency announced a lawsuit against the marathon organizers, following a similar case after a December 2025 marathon on Kish Island that featured unveiled women.
Data & Statistics – Attendance and Registration Figures
- Parade attendance: State media and IRNA cite 313,000 participants; independent verification is lacking.
- Janfada registrations: Officials initially cited over 30 million registrants, later revising to around 32 million, with 32 % women. Iran’s population of roughly 90 million makes the claim represent about one-third of the country, but the figure relies solely on organizer statements.
Official Statements & Responses
President Pezeshkian attended the parade, emphasizing “comprehensive defence” amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes that began on February 28.
On-the-Ground Reports – Unveiled Runners and Social Media
Videos of women running without head coverings circulated widely, drawing criticism from conservative figures. Marathon photographs showed athletes in long-sleeve tops and track pants; parade images highlighted women in hijab holding machine guns and babies, underscoring the visual contrast.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Attendance verification: The 313,000 figure remains uncorroborated.
- Registration data: The 32 million claim lacks external validation, and the gender breakdown cannot be confirmed.
- Legal outcomes: The case against marathon organizers has been announced, but no rulings or penalties have been reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was done previously. The ‘Devotees of Iran’ campaign initially involved people declaring their readiness to participate, while at another stage, participants filled out forms and indicated their areas of interest across seven fields, including supporting the war effort, search and rescue, poverty alleviation, defense and others.” — Brigadier General Hassanzadeh
What’s Next – Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Future Mobilizations
The prosecutor’s case against the marathon organizers remains open, with potential penalties pending. Officials have indicated plans to expand the Janfada campaign, continuing volunteer training in weapon handling and first aid. Human Rights Watch documented at least 29 executions between March 18 and the end of August for offenses linked to the January protests, underscoring the broader climate of repression framing both events.