Ultramarathon race on the Gabala-Khankandi route has started

On April 10, an ultramarathon race on the "Gabala–Khankandi" route was officially launched in Gabala, which has been designated as the Sports Capital of Azerbaijan for 2025. The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Athletics Federation, Baku City Circuit, the “Zafar” Run Club, and the Gabala District Executive Power. The official opening ceremony, held in Heydar Aliyev Park in Gabala city, began with the performance of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan and a moment of silence in honor of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity. Speaking at the event, Deputy Head of the Regional Executive Power Ataya Osmanova welcomed the guests and noted that the sports and youth strategy laid down by National Leader Heydar Aliyev is being successfully carried forward today under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. She emphasized Gabala’s growing reputation as a host of high-profile international events, including summits, meetings, and forums attended by heads of state, as well as global sporting competitions. Osmanova proudly stated that Gabala has not only been named the “Sports Capital of Azerbaijan” for 2025 but has also been honored with the title of “Youth Capital” among CIS countries. She concluded by wishing all the participating athletes success in the ultramarathon. Deputy of the Milli Majlis, and Vice President of the Azerbaijan Athletics Federation, Konul Nurullayeva, praised the excellent organization of the ultramarathon, now being held for the second year in a row. She emphasized that on the third day of the race, athletes will run a 44-kilometer segment from Barda to Aghdam a distance chosen to symbolically honor the victory achieved in the Patriotic War. Other speakers also noted the growing interest in the ultramarathon each year, emphasizing that such events significantly contribute to the development of sports across the regions. The marathon, which began in Gabala titled the “Sports Capital of Azerbaijan” has brought together 81 athletes from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, and Georgia. Over the course of four days, from April 10 to 13, 2025, the participants will run a total distance of 192 kilometers, finishing in Khankandi.