BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19. Registration is now
open for the 2026 Baku Marathon, which will take place on May 3
under the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Those wishing
to participate in the full 42-km marathon can register until April
25 on the website www.marathon.az or at registration points in 28 Mall,
Deniz Mall, and Ganjlik Mall. Registration is free for students,
Trend reports.
It should be noted that since 2016, Baku has traditionally
hosted a 21-km half-marathon, but this year it will be held for the
first time as a full 42-km marathon. As before, the start will be
at the State Flag Square, and the finish line will be located at
Sea Breeze this time.
In addition, an entertainment program awaits marathon
participants and spectators. Various entertainment areas and a
warm-up zone for athletes will be set up in the starting area, and
a concert featuring popular performers will take place on the main
stage.
Motivational zones will be set up along the entire route, and
water stations and first-aid stations will be provided. A total of
20 entertainment stations will be operating along the route.
The awards ceremony at the 2026 Baku Marathon will also be
memorable for its innovations. The top three men and women in the
42 km race will receive certificates and cash prizes.
It has also been decided to award participants who complete
shorter distances. Thus, the first 2,000 people who are unable to
run 42 km but complete 21 km will receive medals and certificates,
and participants who finish the 10 km distance will be awarded
certificates.
Separate awards will be given to the “first student to finish”
(male and female), the “oldest participant” (male and female), and
the “first corporate participant” (male and female).
It should be noted that similar marathons have previously been
held in London, Paris, New York, Berlin, Barcelona, Istanbul, and
other cities. Since 2016, Baku has joined this tradition,
attracting thousands of local and international participants to its
annual marathon.
