Merah’s Half Marathon For Palestine

Hi beautiful people!

In less than 30 days, I am running my very first half marathon inshallah! To say running has transformed my life would be an understatement. I truly hope everyone has something in their life that brings them as much freedom and joy as running has brought me.

Training for a half marathon while navigating the chaos of freshman year hasn’t been easy. But I’m constantly grounded by the realization of how privileged and blessed I am that school and training are even on my list of “problems.”

Sometimes this privilege feels unbearable and the guilt can be crushing. But instead of letting that guilt paralyze me, I’m choosing to honor it. I’m dedicating this half marathon to every child in Gaza who can no longer walk, let alone run. To those who can no longer even pursue an education because they are too busy fighting to survive another day. This genocide has stolen so much from my people—and yet, they still rise.

Their resilience has fueled my hardest runs and kept me focused through every all nighter.

I have decided to run in support of an organization I hold so close to my heart: PSSF (Palestinian Student Scholarship Fund). PSSF helps empower Palestinian youth to reclaim their future through education—despite the odds, despite the oppression, despite the occupation that’s taken everything from them. The one thing they will never be able to take from them though, is their knowledge and wisdom. And oh, how wise the Palestinian people are.

This run is more than 13.1 miles: it's a dedication, a protest, and a promise. So if you are able, please consider donating. Your support would mean the world.

Thank you,

Free Falestine always