Iran will stage an international marathon for the first time since the revolution in 1979, with athletes from the United States and Saudi Arabia set to start on April 7 in Tehran, and women as well, according to the web portal of state television IRIB.
Women competing in the races over 10-kilometres, 20km or the classic marathon over 42.195km will have to abide to the dress code including wearing a hijab.
The US and Saudi Arabia are Iran's main political foes but the nation has been trying for years to foster better relations with other countries through the hosting of international sports events.
However, this remains difficult on the women's side. Women are not allowed to attend international events such as football World Cup qualifiers, and the staging of international women's competitions in the country is often undermined by the strict dress regulations.
