AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, October 11. The fourth and
final stage of the 3rd International Khankendi Ultramarathon
started in Aghdam today, Trend’s Karabakh bureau reports..
97 athletes from six countries are taking part in the event,
jointly organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, the
Azerbaijan Athletics Federation, and Baku City Circuit Operations
Company.
In the final stage, athletes will cover a distance of 29.2
kilometers from Aghdam to Khankendi. Thus, over four days,
participants will run a total of 192 kilometers before reaching the
finish line in Khankendi.
It should be noted that the ultramarathon consists of four
stages. In the first stage, participants cover 52.5 kilometers
along the Gabala–Agdash route; in the second, 63.5 kilometers along
the Agdash–Barda route; in the third, 46.8 kilometers along the
Barda–Aghdam route; and in the final stage, 29.2 kilometers along
the Aghdam–Khankendi route.
Winners of each stage are awarded separately. At the end of the
competition, the overall winners will also be determined based on
their cumulative results and will receive the grand prize.
Following the first three stages, Georgia’s David Kharazishvili
is leading the men’s standings, while Ukraine’s Olena Shevchenko
tops the women’s standings.
The main goal of the ultramarathon is to promote a healthy
lifestyle and running, as well as to showcase various regions of
Azerbaijan through sport.
It should be recalled that the Khankendi Ultramarathon was first
held in 2024 along the Khankendi–Baku route. That event featured 64
athletes from four countries, who covered a total distance of 380
kilometers.
In 2025, the ultramarathon was held along the Gabala–Khankendi
route, with 81 athletes representing six countries taking part.
