From Afghanistan to UTMB: a journey of resilience, running and hope
Some journeys begin with a single step, others with a leap across borders and into the unknown. This is the story of Fatima Painda, a woman who fled Afghanistan as a child, carrying nothing but memories of her mountains. In the UK she rediscovered freedom through running, first on the track and then on the trails. Her path eventually led her to the UTMB Mont Blanc, the world’s most iconic ultra-trail race, where every stride became a voice for Afghan women and girls silenced by oppression. Her story is not just about running—it is about resilience, identity, and the power of dreaming big
Background & Journey
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your story — how did you go from Afghanistan to living and running in the UK?
I was born in the beautiful mountains of Jaghori, Afghanistan. As a kid I spent most of my time in the mountains, even snow sledding on a plastic bag in the winters. It was where I felt free and fearless. But all was taken from away when I had to flee my home. At age 12, I left behind the mountains I loved and my homeland. However, I was given the chance to dream and feel safe. Beginning a new life in England was challenging, and I felt completely lost without the mountains. They always called me back. It wasn’t until I discovered trail running that I felt like I was home again.
Q: How did you first discover running, and what did it mean to you in your early days?
Running came to me as a natural skill for survival, little did I know there was a sport called running. In Afghanistan, my school was an hour walk and despite chasing lorries for hitch hikes and sneaking through school windows, we often were caught for being late and given strikes in the hand. I remember one autumn day very vividly; the burning sensation of pain from the morning strikes lasted all day. I said to my friend that from tomorrow onwards, we will run to school because I cannot bear this pain again.
When I moved to the UK I spoke little English. Sports, especially running, is a universal language in itself. During these classes, I found myself fully immersed and enjoying school. I took opportunities and went on to run a marathon in the school yard to fundraise for charity. As part of the school team I competed in cross countries including twice in the English Schools’ Championships. I continued running and joined the city track team, where I trained with Paul Larkins. I saw a poster of a half marathon race and said to my coach “I want to run this race”. He said “sign up, but you’ve been training for 200m sprints”. Thus began the journey of long distance running. In 2021, I battled long covid for 18 months and was unable to train. I had the time of the world and worked on a project about diversity and inclusivity with Trail Running Magazine UK where I discovered the beautiful world of trail running. Today, I relive my childhood in the Afghanistan mountains through trail and mountain running, not just as an athlete, but as a champion for tolerance and female empowerment. I’ve conquered incredible adventures like the CCC, UTS 100KM by UTMB, and the Trans Sahara Marathon.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a woman, and as an Afghan, in pursuing sport?
Sports are an integral part of my identity and I would say it has shaped my personality. From a young age, I have been a member of the sports community, putting countless hours of hard work into both training and nutrition management. I have been determined to continue this journey regardless of the setbacks I have encountered such as being stereotyped both by my own community and general public. This empowered me to challenge the stereotypes that society imposes, not just on a Muslim woman but women in general. I hope for a day when you are not defined by clothing but solely by your performance. What I wear has never been an issue for me, however, I have noticed that it has affected other Muslim women, including some of my friends. As a Muslim woman, I understand the complexities of sport involvement and I’m committed to showcase the importance of inclusivity for all.
UTMB Experience
Q: What motivated you to take on UTMB Mont Blanc, one of the toughest trail races in the world?
Today, as an avid trail runner, personal trainer, and champion for tolerance and female empowerment, I witnessed the devastating impact of the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan In August 2021. Dreams have vanished, replaced by a suffocating darkness for women and girls. Education, once a right, is now denied. Parks, gyms, and even the freedom of movement are gone. Yet, a flicker of hope remains in the hearts of the Afghan people.
As part of my ambitious project ‘Running Undercover for women and girls of Afghanistan’ I run trails and marathons across 26 countries and summit mountains aiming to raise awareness and funds to empower individuals, especially Afghan women and girls, to chase their seemingly impossible dreams. As a Free to Run ambassador, I stand with them. Free to Run terminated their project after the fall of Afghanistan, however, the charity continues to work virtually to deliver weekly indoor strength and mindfulness training sessions that are trauma-informed and focus on mental health.
UTMB has always been a dream race, and to complete it as one the letter for my project is a dream come true. It meant carrying the strengths and hopes of women around the full loop with me.
Q: Can you describe the emotions of that final stretch, crossing the line with less than 10 minutes before the cut-off?
I reminded myself repeatedly to embrace the pain and remember the challenges the women and girls in Afghanistan are facing; that this pain is nothing, so let’s do it together. Emotions were high, my heart was pounding, and I had to hold myself together for a little longer and welcome the beautiful support from everyone. I found my rhythm again and pushed on. I could hear the finish line buzz and someone said I had just 2km to go. I looked at my watch and saw I only had 10 minutes left to make the cutoff. In that moment, there was no stopping. I kept telling myself, Carry on, you got this.
In that final stretch, there’s nothing like the support in Chamonix. The high fives, the cheers, and seeing UTMB elites on the sidelines was absolutely surreal. But the humbling part wasn’t just being next to them at the finish line—it was knowing that we were all on the same mountains, sharing the same struggles and passion. I feel truly blessed to be a part of it all.
Q: What was the most difficult moment for you during the race, and what gave you the strength to keep moving forward?
I was particularly concerned about the unpredictable weather in the mountains. Despite activation of the cold kit, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The first night was brutal. The sky wept on with heavy rain, wind, and snow. I took many falls on descents, and the only question on my mind was whether I would make it – I had just 5km left until Courmayeur. But after that cold night, my mind was set. There was no stopping, and I knew that finish line was calling my name.
After the final checkpoint, I felt the sharp pain of a sandwiched blister on the sole of my left foot. It was excruciating to walk on. I sat down and took my socks off, hoping it might help. That’s where I started to negotiate with myself, knowing I had come too far to stop. So do it for yourself, for your people, and for everyone who is counting on you and those wishing to dream but their future is uncertain.
Q: You spent two nights out on the mountain — did you manage to get any sleep, and how did you cope with the fatigue and lack of rest?
I had 20 minutes of sleep for the 2 nights overall, leading to the bizarre hallucinations where every stone looked like an animal, I could feel and hear cheering through the forests. Despite the conditions, I embraced moments to enjoy my surroundings with towering mountains engulfed by the starry sky and the cheers from the public and fellow runners. In an ultra-run, I’m testing what my mind and body can handle while dancing around the mountains, feeling like there are no limits. Of course, there are times when it really hurts, but in those moments, the pain becomes my strength, and fear becomes my courage to keep going. In that journey, you rise up finding the inner spark—a feeling of a great nothing is impossible.
Q: What did it feel like to finish, knowing all the barriers you overcame to get there?
The full loop was one of the best experiences of my life – I call it a miracle.
In those final moments, with my heart pounding and the cheers of everyone around me, it wasn’t just about crossing a finish line. It felt like I was crossing a bridge back to the little girl who had to flee home and leave the mountains behind. All the barriers—the physical pain, the mental negotiation, the moments between life and death – they all felt a little lighter.
The finish was for myself, but in that moment, it was also for every woman and girl who have been silenced. Knowing that my pain was nothing compared to their struggle gave me the strength to push on.
And then, surrounded by the crowds in Chamonix and seeing the elite athletes on the sidelines, it all became a surreal and humbling feeling. The most beautiful part wasn’t just finishing, but realizing that we had all been on the same mountains, sharing the same struggles and passion. It felt like I was finally where I was meant to be, and that in that journey, I had truly found home again
Representation & Inspiration
Q: Your UTMB finish was not only a tremendous personal achievement but also an inspiration for many people around the world, especially women. Do you see your journey as a source of motivation for others?
I have been blessed with a purpose to inspire and change lives. I aspire to use my running as a platform to be voice for those who are currently silenced. Witnessing the injustices women and girls in Afghanistan are facing today empowers me to stand for their rights. Through the collective efforts of my project and charities I support, I hope to save even one girl’s dream; knowing this, my journey has fulfilled its purpose.
Q: What message would you like to send to women, in Afghanistan and anywhere, who might feel (ultra) trail running is not possible for them?
To all women who feel that ultra-trail running is not possible, whether because of the mountains, the distance, or the world around her – I hear you.
The essence of ultra-running isn’t just about covering long distances. It’s about finding your inner strength when you feel you have none. It’s about letting go of fear and finding the courage to take the next step. The journey begins not on a trail, but in your heart – in the moment you decide to dream. That one step, that one dream, is your starting line. It is your act of defiance. It is your rebellion.
I ran with the hope that my journey could be a voice for those who feel silenced. My pain became my strength because I ran for them. It was a shared journey.
So, whether you are running on a mountain, walking in a park, or simply daring to dream of a future where you are free, know that you are not alone. You are an inspiration, and your courage is a spark for all of us.
Looking Ahead
Q: What’s next for you — do you have future races or goals in mind?
To complete another letter for my project Running Undercover for Women and Girls of Afghanistan I am excited for Kackar by UTMB, covering 80km.
Q: If you had one piece of advice for someone facing a “mountain” in their life, what would it be?
Stop looking at the summit. Just focus on taking one single, small step at a time. Face the uncomfortable and raw feeling, because there is a light on the other side waiting to embrace you. It might seem impossible, but you have everything it takes to overcome challenges. The truth is, no one can do it for you. Others can walk with you, but the power is already within you. Do what scares you! Dream big! Chase your unknown!
Final thoughts
Crossing the UTMB finish line was more than a personal victory. It was a bridge back to her childhood mountains, and a message of hope for countless women who cannot yet run free. Her journey reminds us that pain can transform into strength, and that every small step holds the power to change lives. As she looks ahead to new challenges, her legacy is already clear: running can be more than sport—it can be an act of defiance, a symbol of resilience, and a spark of inspiration for the world
