TODAY.AZ / Sports

Ganja Marathon 2017 results: winners, top times & prizes

18 September 2017 [13:15] - TODAY.AZ

By Azernews

Ganja, which became the second city after Baku to host the Marathon 2017, welcomed thousands of runners.

The country’s second largest city hosted the competition under the motto "Be with us in the Marathon" and "Create a story with willpower" on September 17.

Organized at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Marathon thrilled up the northern-western region and covered a distance of 17 kilometers, starting at the Triumphal arch and finishing in the Park Complex named after Heydar Aliyev.

In the men’s event, Turkish citizen Uzeyir Soilemez ranked the first, followed by Iranian citizen Muhammad Jafar Muradi ranking second and Georgian citizen Timuraz Baikeev ranking third.

Jafar Muradi, who is a professional athlete and a winner of several international competitions, said that although there is competition among athletes for the first place, the main idea of this marathon is to call for solidarity, friendship and brotherhood.

“Some of the athletes, who came after me, crossed the finish line hand in hand. In such competitions victory is a symbolic, and ideas are legacy,” he said. 

Among women, Ukrainian citizen Valentina Poltavyska ranked first, followed by Azerbaijani citizen Anna Yusupova ranking second and UK’s citizen Natasha Petersen ranking third.

Yusupova, commenting on the competition, said that the Ganja Marathon 2017 was successful for her.

“Although I have participated in separate marathons four times before, I could show the highest result in this marathon,” she said. 

The Marathon is a solidarity rally, believes Nurvin Ahmadoglu, a little resident of Ganja. “Such competitions are also an excellent opportunity to win new friendships,” he said.

Assistant to the Azerbaijani First Vice-President Anar Alakbarov, head of the executive power of Ganja city Elmar Valiyev and president of Azercell Telekom LLC Vahid Mursaliyev awarded the male winners.

Azerbaijani MP Ganira Pashayeva, singer Roya Ayxan and well-known athlete Zabit Samadov awarded the female winners.

The holders of the first places received 3,000 manats ($1,765), the second place – 2,000 manats ($1,176), the third place – 1,000 manats ($588).  

The objective of Ganja Marathon-2017 was to create a new culture in the sports history of Azerbaijan. Main goals of the event included assistance in the development of sports industry and the encouragement of young people for healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Individuals and corporate participants did not make any payments, as the necessary funds were met by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Development of sports, building an audience for sports events and making these events profitable were among the goals of the Marathon 2017. 

URL: http://www.today.az/news/sports/164956.html

Print version

Views: 2392

Connect with us. Get latest news and updates.

Recommend news to friend

  • Your name:
  • Your e-mail:
  • Friend's name:
  • Friend's e-mail: