On hope: What Iranians hold on to in uncertain times

Velayat Park, south of Tehran, was already crowded before dawn on a September morning as hundreds of runners gathered for a 10-kilometre race. People arrived in groups or alone. Music played as runners waited, talking, laughing and preparing for the competition. The women's race went first. In their running gear, many women wore sports head coverings provided at the event. Others, however, ran with their hair uncovered. Videos of the race soon circulated widely online, turning the event into a national talking point. The authorities later announced legal proceedings against the organisers over violations of Iran’s mandatory dress rules.