Meet the 2022 Secret 3K Ambassadors!
Meet our amazing ambassadors who volunteered to help us promote the Secret 3K in 2022. Each of them has participated in the Secret 3K in the past and are an important part of our community. See them each featured in the video below and scroll to learn more about what inspired them and why we think they’re awesome!
Marwa Saleem
Where She Runs: Toronto
Why We Think She’s Awesome!
Marwa is the Secret 3K Communications Coordinator, she is training to represent Afghanistan at the Olympics in the 200m, she is a strong advocate for Afghan rights.
Why She Runs the Secret 3K
“I’m participating in the Secret 3K because I am inspired ceaselessly by the strength of women in Afghanistan who are advocating for a better future in the face of unjust rulers and cruel invasions.
Gender equity matters to me because I want for my fellow runners across the world what I want for myself; the opportunity and support to run without fearing for our lives.
Creating safe and inclusive spaces is important because where someone is born should never determine their access to walking, running, or living without barriers due to gender, race or culture.
I’m proud to be an ambassador for the Secret 3K because it embodies my personal values of safety and inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability, promotion of gender equity and active living.”
Tamiah Thomas & Jordan Ford
Where They Run: Barrie
Why We Think They Awesome!
This is a family committed to health and fitness and making a difference in their community as advocates for Black Lives Matter Advocates and through their fundraising efforts for Shake’s World Community Centre. Jordan is also a professional rugby player and Ironman athlete.
Why They Run the Secret 3K
“I’m proud to be an ambassador for the Secret 3K because I believe in gender equality , the right to equal opportunities, responsibilities and that societies that treat men and woman as equals are safer and healthier.“ Tamiah Thomas
“So much work needs to be done around the world for women’s rights. I’m happy that I can be apart of it each year. I’m privileged to be able to run freely in my country, where in others, and especially women don’t have the same freedom.” Jordan Ford
Hirra Farooqi
Where She Runs: Toronto
Why We Think She’s Awesome!
Hirra was the Production Assistant for The Secret Marathon film and a long term volunteer and former Toronto Race Director for the Secret 3K. She is also the Founder of the Muslim International Film Festival and a strong advocate for Afghan & Pakistani communities both in Canada and abroad.
Why She Runs the Secret 3K
"Around three to four years ago, if you told me that I would be running, I would probably ask you, "From what?" Although I have been active in playing cricket as a sport, running as a sport, alone, has never been something that intrigued me or interested me in any way.
However, this changed completely when I joined the production team of The Secret Marathon Film. As an Afghan-Pakistani woman living here in Canada, the story of Afghan women running their first marathon in Afghanistan resonated with me to a different level. Almost every cultural barrier they faced sounded and felt way too similar to mine. Even though I am an Afghan woman living in Canada, I had not understood how something as simple as running was such a huge step to take and I realized just how privileged I really am. Yes, the culture and social barriers do still exist for me to a certain extent but I have so many more resources than the women in my country, back home.
Seeing these inspiring and resilient women, in addition to the environment created at the Secret 3K inspired me to run. And not just FROM something but TO something. Towards a common goal of creating safer spaces for women all around the world. Especially for the women fighting for their rights and their lives in Afghanistan. It is all thanks to these incredible women that I have been running for the Secret 3K for the last three years and will continue to do so for the coming years."
Duff McLaren
Where He Runs: Toronto
Why We Think He’s Awesome!
Duff is an amazing community builder through his work with the Achilles St. Patrick's Day 5K Run/Walk which provides help for people with various disabilities. He is also a long time supporter of active living through his leadership with the Beaches Run Club community and as a long time volunteer with the Secret 3K.
Why He Runs the Secret 3K
“I’m proud to be an ambassador for the Secret 3K because running helps to build self-esteem, develop a level of physical fitness and strength to elevate an overall wellness. Motion is accessible to all. The Secret 3K assists in breaking down barriers by creating safe and inclusive spaces for all genders, thereby contributing to a collective enhancement of life.”
Lindsay Davies
Where They Run: Calgary
Why We Think She’s Awesome!
Lindsay is committed to life long activity through the sport of Rugby as an athlete and community leader for Women’s Rugby. She is also an excellent advocate for both the small business community and LGBTQ2+ community in Alberta.
Why She Run the Secret 3K
“Creating safe and inclusive spaces is important to me because it allows people to feel a deserved sense of belonging and feel heard and seen through their challenges and accomplishments. When those of diverse backgrounds come together it allows for different perspectives and creativity to build innovative ideas and solutions.”