The Baku Marathon 2026, organized on the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, has concluded. Held under the slogan “Conquer the Wind,” the race brought together 25,000 participants. Alongside Azerbaijani citizens, representatives from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and other countries also took part in the marathon.

In the men’s competition, the first athlete to cross the finish line was Ahmad Alkanoglu from Turkey. Ukraine’s Vitalii Shafar finished second, while Kyrgyzstan’s Yrskeldi Akerov claimed third place.

In the women’s race, Elena Tolstykh of Russia secured first place, Azerbaijan’s Anna Yusupova finished second, and Kazakhstan’s Shirin Akimbay placed third.

Neftçi Sports Club also participated in the marathon with a large delegation. Among the club’s representatives, Khadija Eyvazova, Vafa Abdullayeva, Leyli Aliyeva, Elvin Astanov, Imran Garayev, and Vladislav Kalmykov competed in the 21 km race. Sama Ibrahimova, Sahil Mammadov, Narmin Huseynli and Rubaba Hajizada successfully completed the full 42 km distance and crossed the finish line.

It should be noted that the Baku Marathon, held for the ninth time this year, was organized over the full 42 km distance for the first time. The race started at State Flag Square, and participants reached the finish line in the Sea Breeze Resort area following the designated route.