BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 4. The Baku Marathon 2025, organized at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, has concluded, Trend reports.
Held under the slogan “Conquer the Wind,” this year’s marathon has drawn a record number of nearly 28,000 registered runners.
Turkish runner Ataç Sezgin claimed victory in the men’s race. Ukraine’s Vitaliy Shafar finished second, while fellow Turkish runner Murat Emekdar took third place.
In the women’s race, Ukrainian athlete Nataliya Semenovych crossed the finish line first. Anna Yusupova of Azerbaijan came in second, followed by Japan’s Eriko Soma in third.
Now in its eighth edition, the Baku Marathon also drew participation from well-known political and public figures, as well as cultural and intellectual leaders.
In addition to Azerbaijani citizens, the marathon welcomed international participants, including foreign residents living and working in the country, and runners from Germany, the United States, Australia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, France, India, Spain, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and other countries.
People with disabilities and children with Down syndrome also took part in the race.
Since its launch in 2016, the Baku Marathon has aimed to promote sports and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
The start and finish lines are located at Flag Square, with the route running through some of Baku’s main streets and avenues, including the Seaside Boulevard, Neftchilar Avenue, White City Boulevard, 8 November Avenue, Uzeyir Hajibeyli Street, the Bayil roundabout, and Bibiheybat Road.
The total race distance is 21 kilometers. Professional athletes typically complete it in around 1 hour and 15 minutes, while amateur runners usually finish in 2 to 3 hours. As a result, the marathon’s overall duration will vary depending on each participant’s pace.
Entertainment zones have been set up at Flag Square and various points along the route, offering activities, competitions, and sports programs for participants, locals, and visitors alike.
