Baku, Azerbaijan, May 13
By Ilkin Shafiyev – Trend:
Baku Marathon 2018 kicked off May 13 under the auspices of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Vice-President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva took part in the marathon.
Held for the third time, this year’s Marathon retains its motto: Win the Wind.
As many as 18,000 people have been registered to take part in this marathon.
The Baku Marathon 2018 started at the National Flag Square, running 21 kilometers all the way to the Baku Olympic Stadium.
Its major goal is to promote sport, healthy lifestyle in Azerbaijan and bring people in their pursuit of good intents.
People above the age of 16 who have been registered in advance have the right to take part in the competition.
Residents of Azerbaijan’s Ganja, Sumgayit, Mingachevir, Guba, Gusar, Lankaran, Astara, Nakhchivan, Gabala, Shamakhi, Zagatala, Sheki, Oguz and other regions took part in the Baku marathon.
Aside from Azerbaijani citizens, representatives of Italy, France, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Great Britain, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, US, China, Malaysia, India, Japan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Colombia, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Czech Republic and other countries also participated in the competition.
Moreover, representatives of embassies of Italy, Russia, Turkey, China, Malaysia, India, Japan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, Lithuania and Latvia in Baku were involved in the marathon.
Runners were supported by a DJ, as well as support groups along the whole marathon route.
There were aid points in every three kilometer along the marathon route. A fan zone with various entertainment programs has been created at the finish, in the Baku Olympic Stadium.
Awards for the Baku Marathon 2018 were granted in two categories: the first three places among men and women. Winners of the first places in both categories were awarded 3,000 manats, whereas the second and third prize winners got 2,000 and 1,000 manats respectively along with gifts, medals and certificates. Besides, the winners of 4-10 places among men and women categories got various gifts from sponsors. Volunteers supporting the marathon and all participants were awarded certificates by the organizers.
The funds gained from the Baku Marathon 2018 will be spent on the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s project related to children deprived of parental care.
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