Two weeks remain to the first marathon race in the winding paths of the iconic Abr (Cloud) Forest in Semnan with the primary goal of highlighting the tourist attractions of a province that seeks to portray itself as a new destination by 2021.
The sport and recreational event is aimed at introducing the breathtaking nature and stunning historical and cultural attractions in the province while upholding environmental preservation standards, Moein Afzali, director of the event said.
"The match is organized in two 42 km and 21 km routes passing through Abr Village, Qatari Village, Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests and the areas in the Alborz Mounts before turning back to Abr Village," IRNA quoted Afzali as saying.
Reportedly, over 50 Iranian runners have registered for the event, and although the race has been fully booked, enthusiasts still kept applying for attendance, compelling the organizers to consider expanding the initial capacity.
Representatives from Press TV, IRIB Mostanad, a national documentary TV channel, and a Spanish broadcaster will have a 5-day visit to the event so as to cover the whole event as a documentary film, Afzali said.
"Making documentary films is a creative method of introducing the attractions in the province to the world," the official said, adding that the event can develop into an international match in the near future.
Mohammad Jahanshahi, head of the provincial office of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, also said once the match is documented and shared with foreign media, it will encourage more foreign travelers to visit the area.
Planning for Int'l Contest
"The marathon will host officials from the Italy-based World Running Academy, including Paolo Barghini, the academy's director. We hope their presence will open a gateway to conducting an international event next year in Semnan."
Pointing to the fact that this is not the first such an event held inside the country, Jahanshahi said earlier in autumn 2016 and 2017, desert surfing events were held in Lut Desert in Kerman Province which received a warm welcome. The current marathon is a leg of the four-season tourism puzzle, which will be held in different climates of the country in the suitable seasons, he added.
The Department of Environment, the Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization, the Red Crescent Society, Tehran University of Medical Sciences as well as security forces have played their share in holding the event to make sure of a quality and eco-friendly marathon with the least amount of harm to the hosting areas.
Enthusiasts can apply at luttravel.com until Aug. 23. The Cloud Forest is 45 km northeast of Shahrud city in Semnan Province, off the road between Shahrud and Azadshahr.
The forest covers 14,000 hectares and is part of the ancient Caspian Hyrcanian forests. Due to high humidity and special climatic conditions surrounding Alborz Mountains, clouds descend to the ground and cover the forest at certain times of the year, which is the logic behind its naming.
