BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

Secret 3K has found a new home with 30 Birds Foundation!

The Secret 3K: A New Chapter with 30 Birds Foundation

We are thrilled to announce that The Secret 3K will now be owned and operated by the nonprofit 30 Birds Foundation as a social enterprise. 30 Birds has helped more than 450 Afghan schoolgirls, family and leaders in girls’ education to escape Afghanistan and resettle in Canada. They continue to support Afghan women and girls to become leaders here in Canada.  This transition marks an exciting new chapter for the event, aligning with our shared mission to create safe and inclusive spaces for women and girls worldwide.

Why This Change?

After eight incredible years of running The Secret 3K as a predominantly volunteer-led initiative, we recognize the need to ensure its long-term sustainability. By embedding the event within an organization like 30 Birds Foundation, we are confident that it will continue to grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact for years to come.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To everyone who has been part of The Secret 3K journey, we extend our deepest gratitude. To our incredible team over the years—your dedication and passion have made this event possible. Special thanks to our corporate sponsors, particularly the Running Room, whose role as a founding partner and key architect has been invaluable. A heartfelt shoutout to John Stanton and Liz Caine for their unwavering support.

We also recognize our co-founders, Martin Parnell and Kate McKenzie, whose vision brought The Secret 3K to life. To our former National Race Directors, Jaclyn Brock and Tarra Williamson, thank you for your leadership and insights. Thank you to those whose efforts helped make our 2024 event possible including: Ashley Burr, Courtney Parkinson, Mel Souraya, Margo Hornett, Nicholas Crespo, Meghan Baryliuk, Danielle Hockley and their teams of volunteers. A special thanks to our board members—Colin Scheyen, Hosai Zurmati Halim, Chelsea Black, Jaclyn Brock, and Kate McKenzie—whose efforts have been instrumental in this transition. We are deeply grateful to our charity partners for their collaboration and to the countless participants who have run or walked with us to champion gender equity.

Continuing the Legacy

Under the stewardship of 30 Birds, The Secret 3K will maintain its core values of safety, inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability, and gender equality. The event will evolve, with leadership informed by young Afghan women, bringing the event full circle to its origins—honoring the young Afghan women who inspired it through the Marathon of Afghanistan.

Looking Ahead

30 Birds Foundation is thrilled to announce that it will be hosting its first official Secret 3K event in concert with the Saskatchewan Marathon on May 25th. They are planning some other exciting events as well so please stay tuned for more emails in the coming weeks and months as we get closer to May!

If you’re interested in volunteering with 30 Birds, we encourage you to fill out this form.

Why 30 Birds Foundation?

30 Birds Foundation’s mission to empower Afghan women and girls through mentorship, empowerment, and education perfectly aligns with the purpose of The Secret 3K. Their leadership ensures the event will remain a force for change while generating vital resources to support their impactful programs.

Future

Let’s continue creating safe and inclusive spaces, one run or walk at a time. Visit Secret3K.com or 30 Birds Foundation for more details. Together, we can inspire change and show that a more inclusive world is possible.

FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

1. Which charities will be supported by this year’s event?
   For the 2025 event, $2 from each registration fee will be allocated to Secret 3K's legacy charity partners—$1 for Afghan Sports Trust and $1 for 261 Fearless. All other funds will go towards 30 Birds Foundation.

2. Can I still organize a group run or walk in my community?
   The 30 Birds team will be in touch soon with more details about how to host a walk/run this year as part of their event in May. 

3. What changes can we expect under 30 Birds Foundation’s leadership?
   The core values, purpose, and mission of The Secret 3K will remain the same. However, the event’s format and leadership will evolve, with input from young Afghan women to reflect its roots.

4. How can I get involved as a volunteer with 30 Birds?
   If you’re interested in volunteering, fill out this form to learn more about opportunities to support this important work.

5. How do I register for The Secret 3K this year?
   Registration will be opening soon via Race Roster. Stay tuned!