Under the slogan
“Win the wind””Baku Marathon 2016” was held on May 1,
by the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Vice-President of the
Foundation Leyla Aliyeva took part in the marathon.The marathon covered the distance of 21 km from its Start point
(Flag Square) to Finish line (Baku Olympic Stadium) and along with the
Azerbaijani citizens; about 500 foreigners joined the race. The heads and
representatives of embassies of France, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia,
Iran, India, the Czech Republic and other countries, some famous public and
political figures, representatives of the society were among the participants. Besides, the
representatives of Austria, Germany, Spain, France, Russia, the United Kingdom,
the United Arab Emirates, Kenya and other countries took part in the marathon.Zemfira Meftahetdinova, Olympic and world champion, made an opening shot
at the marathon. The marathon started at 10:00. It took a maximum of four hours
and a half to overcome a 21 kilometer-distance.Main purpose of
Baku Marathon 2016 was to initiate sport industry development, motivate youth
for healthy lifestyle, and unite people for a good cause. City residents and
visitors over the age of 16 participated in the marathon.”Neftchi Sports
Club” was distinguished by its active participation in the marathon. So, about
200 representatives in the different types of the club were among the
participants. President of SOCAR, Rovnag Abdullayev was at the finish line –
among the fans gathered in the Olympic Stadium and supported the
representatives of “Neftchi Sports Club”. President of the company was also
photographed with the athletes.Such marathons
have been organized in London, Paris, Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin,
Barcelona, Istanbul and other cities up to now. The distance of full marathon
race is 42-kilometer and half marathon is 21-kilometer.