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.