Around 1,000 male and female athletes took part in a trail run on Friday in Kabul in a bid to raise awareness over the city’s high levels of air pollution.

The run was organized by Kabul municipality and held in the mountains in PD13 – in the west of Kabul. 

“People should do sport to have a healthy life,” Maigon Rahimi, an athlete said.

“Families should let their girls do sport and we should see some improvements,” Hosay Saba, another athlete said. 

Kabul municipal officials said they want to promote a culture of environmental protection among the people by launching such initiatives. 

Meanwhile the athletes ran a predetermined trail and all took part enthusiastically.

“Fortunately, I was able to complete the race and I got first place,” athlete Mohammad Karim Yaqot said.

“My message to the youths is to not use drugs and instead do sport,” athlete Eeshan Omari said. 

Some female athletes said this had been a chance for them to break taboos that exist in the country  - which, they said, undermine women’s abilities. 

“Now I see, the boys and girls are improving, and they do not have negative thoughts,” Farhat Popalzai, an athlete said.