Meet Marwa, a 10-year-old tissue seller from Aswan whose daily struggles didn't stop her from winning a children's charity marathon—barefoot and full of determination.
Images of a determined 10-year-old girl from Aswan, Egypt, have been circulating on social media after she crossed the finish line in first place at a local children’s charity marathon—despite spending most of her life living in poverty and selling tissues on the streets.
Marwa, who usually works near the Aswan train station selling tissues to help support her family, noticed a large gathering for a children’s charity race organized by the Magdi Yaacoub Heart Foundation.
Curious, she approached the organizers and asked if she could participate.
Although the entry fee was 200 EGP, the organizers welcomed her without charge. Dressed in a veil and galabiya, with jeans underneath and no shoes, Marwa joined the race.
Despite her lack of proper running gear, she sprinted past all the other children, many of whom were equipped with sportswear and running shoes, and claimed first place.
Marwa’s daily life requires her to chase after moving cars to sell her tissues—a routine that unexpectedly built her endurance. But this time, she was running for something more: a chance to be part of something joyful and free from her everyday struggles.
After her impressive finish, Marwa was awarded the first-place medal, smiling proudly as photos were taken of her achievement.
“I saw the other children preparing for the race, and I wanted to run like them,” Marwa shared. “I’m so happy I won, even though I wasn’t dressed like the others.”
Following her victory, social media users have called on Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and local philanthropists to support Marwa’s potential, with hopes that she may one day represent her country as an Olympic athlete.
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