Every human being should find his place in life, but his right place, the place worthy of him.
Heydar Aliyev
Baku Marathon 2023 is held following the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation
On May 7, Baku Marathon 2023 was held on the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Having been traditionally held since 2016, the Baku Marathon aims at supporting sports’ development and promoting healthy lifestyle, and each year, it becomes more massive, attracting more people of different ages from around the world.
This time, the Baku Marathon, which is held in the framework of the “Year of Heydar Aliyev”, is devoted to the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
Persons over the age of 18 participated in the competition. 19,500 people got registered to participate in the marathon. Along with Azerbaijani citizens, foreigners residing in Azerbaijan, as well as participants from other countries got registered to participate in the marathon. This year, among them were participants from USA, Belarus, the Great Britain, China, France, Georgia, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Poland, Russia, Turkiye, Ukraine etc. A number of renowned people competed as participants of honour.
Along with being a competition for the first place, the marathon is remembered also by the good mood it creates in the participants. This year too, participants were distinguished for their interest for the competition, and their special preparation for it. Until the marathon started, various entertainments, shows and a concert by well-known singers took place in the area where the starting point was located.
Veterans of Karabakh and people with physical disabilities also participated in the competition.
First start at the marathon was given for people with physical disabilities and children with Down syndrome. At the second start, other participants joined the marathon.
Held under the slogan “Win the Wind”, the semi-marathon covered the distance of 21 kilometres. The start and finish points were at the State Flag Square, with the route covering central streets and avenues of the city, crossing the boulevard.
At the end of the interesting sportive competition, winners were determined. In the competition of women, Natalya Somonovich from Ukraine was first. Hasibe Demir from Turkiye took the second place, with another Ukrainian athlete, Valentina Paltavska, being the third.
At the Baku Marathon, Bogdan Somonovich from Ukraine, representative of Georgia David Karatashvili and Hakan Çoban of Turkiye took the first, second and third places in the competition of men, respectively.
Then, an awarding ceremony took place. The awarding at “Baku Marathon 2023” took place in two categories. In each of the men and women categories, the winner of the 1st place earned 3,000 Manats, while the winners of the 2nd and 3rd places were rewarded with 2,000 and 1,000 Manats respectively, as well as with presents, medals and certificates.
First 6 persons with physical disabilities who crossed the finish line were also rewarded. Along with Mehman Ramazanzade, Bahlul Aliyev and Asif Gasymov, who were among the winners, Amid Hasanguliyev, Kamal Ibadov and Orkhan Aliyev too were presented gifts.
Prizes of various nominations were also presented by the sponsors and partners of the marathon.
Along with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, women and men participants on five age categories (30 to 39; 40 to 49; 50 to 59; 60 to 69; 70+) who had crossed the finish line were presented certificates.
Enjoying the support of the Karabakh Revival Fund and its donor, “Stevedoring” company, creation of a “Garden of Marathon” is planned, by planting 1500 trees on the liberated from occupation territories on behalf of the winners of “Baku Marathon 2023 “. The Karabakh Revival Fund has arranged a one-day tour programme for our students-winners to the Garden of Marathon and the city of Shusha, our cultural capital. A one-day tour will also be organized for elderly participants in the categories of men and women who reached the finish line first, as well as for corporate participants, to the city of Shusha.
All marathon participants and volunteers who have provided support in the organization of the marathon were presented certificates. 2000 participants who crossed the finish line were honoured with “Baku Marathon 2023” medals.
Participants, city residents and visitors participated in various entertaining programmes, competitions and interactive games in the entertainment zone created at the State Flag Square during the marathon, and listened to concert programmes.
