UK Film Premier
The Secret Marathon
UK Film Premier ‘The Secret Marathon’ Rated PG
Friday evening 7th March 2025
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Plymouth PL1 2HJ
Inspired by a story of courage, a filmmaker and her legendary marathon mentor, Rotarian Martin Parnel, train and travel in secret to join the brave Afghan women who stood up for equality and freedom, by running in the Marathon of Afghanistan.
Devon born ultra-distance runner Martin covertly entered Afghanistan, with a film crew. Their original film had to be pulled due to death threats to some of the featured women. You will virtually meet Zainab and her friends, this is their very moving story.
Join us and meet Martin, an international key-note speaker. Now living in Canada he ran 250 marathons in 2012, often in arctic conditions. With a number of other extreme sporting “quests” he has raised over $1million to help disadvantaged youth to benefit from sport.
Also meet James Bingham co-founder of the Afghan Marathon; he is the fire behind the 130 mile Anglesey Ring O’ Fire ultra distance event; he is also a pioneering mountaineer.
- 6pm film and finger buffet must be prebooked. £20
- 7pm film, Q&A and meet with Martin and James. £5 on the door. Please book
On Saturday, for participants of the Youth Development Day activities, a shortened Children’s adaptation of The Secret Marathon will be shown.
Funds raised will be distributed to Afghan Sports Trust and Classrooms Without Walls – Education, Virtual Classroom, Education for All, Online Free Education
Having seen the film you WILL want to be part of The Secret 3K sponsored walk / run being held on Saturday 8th March. Click here for details of The Secret 3K.

The Secret 3k Walk

Youth Development Day
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