BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 3. Initiated by the
Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the "Baku Marathon 2026" is taking place
today, which will be remembered not only as a sporting event but
also as a large-scale entertainment program, Trend reports.
This year's Baku Marathon 2026 clearly decided to blur the line
between sports and a major city festival—and judging by the scale,
it succeeded.
From early morning, State Flag Square turned into a living,
pulsating center of energy: thousands of runners, media
personalities, diplomats, representatives of culture and science -
all gathered here to become part of one of the brightest events of
the year.
Since 2016, a half-marathon of 21 km has traditionally been held
in Baku; however, this year it will be held for the first time in
the format of a full marathon of 42 km. As before, the start was
given at State Flag Square, while the finish line this time is
located on the territory of Sea Breeze. This year is also
distinguished by the scale of entertainment.
But this marathon is not only about kilometers and seconds. It is
about the atmosphere. About a city that becomes a stage for one
day.
The fan zone at the start lives until the very evening: an open
concert venue, music, applause, and a motto that perfectly reflects
the mood of the day – "Even if you don't run - don't miss the fun."
In the fan zone of the starting point, interesting moments have
been created for runners and guests who came to watch the
competitions right up until the evening. A grand open-air concert
program featuring favorite performers is presented.
On stage is a true musical palette of the country: Aygun
Kazimova, Tunzala Agayeva, Lala Mammadova, Manana Japaridze, Azad
Shabanov, Jeyhun Zeynalov (Cin), Elnara Khalilova, Emilia Yagubova,
Farid Eminov (Qurd), Khatira Islam, Ilgara Kazimova, Irada
Ibrahimova, Kazim Can, Mehin Humbatova, Metin Huseynzade (MadTeen),
Hiss, Rilaya, Samira Ali Maryam, Sevanna, the groups Cahan, Naz
Girls, "Sheron," DJ China (Chingiz Mustafayev), as well as
Eurovision stars - Dilara Kazimova, Eldar Gasimov, Nadir Rustamli,
Nigar Jamal, Samira Efendi, and others.
At the finish point of the marathon, an entertainment program
has also been presented for athletes and visitors since morning: DJ
Came, MeryBand, Ellai, mascots, interesting photo zones, and
volunteers welcoming participants and turning the moment of
crossing the finish line into a real show. Here, fatigue is
replaced by emotions, and every finish is a small personal
victory.
The marathon route is a separate journey through Baku: from the
Primorsky Boulevard to Neftchilar Avenue, from the White City to
Heydar Aliyev Avenue, further through key highways and toward the
coast. Along the distance, there are twenty entertainment and
motivational points, water, medical assistance, and support that
literally carries participants forward.
The geography of the marathon is impressive: athletes from the
U.S., Germany, Great Britain, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and other
countries are fighting for victory. At the same time, the marathon
remains open and inclusive - people with disabilities and
participants with Down syndrome are taking part in it.
The awards are worthy of the effort: first place - 6,000 manats,
second - 4,000, third - 2,000. In addition, all participants who
complete the distance will receive medals. It was also decided to
reward participants who covered a shorter distance. Thus, the first
2,000 participants who cannot cope with the 42-kilometer distance
but cover the half-marathon distance of 21 kilometers will be
awarded medals, and those who complete a 10-kilometer distance will
receive certificates.
Furthermore, the first finishing male and female students, the
first corporate participant (male and female), and the oldest
participants (male and female) to cross the finish line will be
awarded.
This year, Baku is not just hosting a marathon - it is living
it. And if before it was a sporting event, now it is a full-fledged
city festival, where everyone finds their own distance or simply a
day filled with music, movement, and life.
