FIRST TIME IN GARABAGH

Khankendi of Azerbaijan is set to host a number of sports competitions in 2024. Last December, the Azerbaijan Football Cup was organised in the city. This time, it will become the centre of athletics competitions.

From Garabagh to Baku

The first Khankendi-Baku ultramarathon will take place on the last day of February. Participants  will have to cover 380 km. The race, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports together with the Azerbaijan Athletics Federation, will be held as part of the Sports Week and the Year of Solidarity for a Green World. The ultramarathon runners will go through five stages, including Khankendi-Yevlakh (83km), Yevlakh-Ujar (84km), Ujar-Hajigabul (88km), Hajigabul-Gobustan (70km) and Gobustan-Baku (55km), and will finish in Baku on March 4. The winners of each stage will be awarded separately, while the winners of the marathon will receive the main prizes.

Everyone over the age of 18 will be able to take part in the competition to be held under the slogan Forward With Pride!.

Open air run

Such competitions have become popular all over the world in recent years. An ultramarathon is generally defined as running distances longer than the traditional marathon of 42.2 kilometres. These races date back to 1984 and are regulated by the International Ultramarathon Association. In the 19th century, they were held indoors. Since 1987, for the convenience of competitors, the races were moved to the countryside and are now held outdoors.

In ultra-marathon events, the distance varies because they are mainly amateur races. The International Athletics Federation recommends organising events with distances of 50, 80, 100 and 160km. According to the rules, the first finishers in some events are the winners, while in others the participants who have covered the greatest number of distances are the winners. During an ultramarathon, athletes are given time to rest. Usually the marathons take three-days, during which the athletes rest at nights to get full recovered for the next day of the race.

Running cleverly

Emin ASKEROV, Azerbaijan's representative in the super marathon competitions, revealed the unique aspects and peculiarities of this sport in his interview with R+:

"These competitions are very interesting. For example, the athletes are given six hours to do everything. They can run for 1 minute, 10 minutes, or even the whole six hours. It's up to them. Psychologically, an ultramarathoner is different. We have a different "brain," so to speak. We don't think about pain. The choice of shoes is very important, otherwise it can seriously affect the outcome," said Askerov.

He added that marathon competitions in Azerbaijan have become very popular recently: "The Baku Marathon was the only event held for many years. Subsequently, the number of competitions has increased. By promoting a healthy lifestyle, they at the same time unite people. I believe the Khankendi-Baku ultramarathon will be very interesting. Both professionals and amateur athletes take part in such competitions. For most amateurs, the marathon becomes a way of life. Khankendi has a magnificent nature. This race will leave a lasting impression."

The marathon will be completed on the eve of the Day of Physical Training and Sport in Azerbaijan and will go down in history as the second sporting event held in Khankendi.

Please be advised that anyone over 18 years of age can take part in the event. It is only necessary to register in the relevant section on the website of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.