Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

“Baku marathon 2016” will be held for the first time on May 1 at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Aimed at supporting the development of sports in Azerbaijan, the event will promote healthy lifestyle, in particular, among youth.

The 21 km marathon will start at the State Flag Square and finish at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

The marathon is open for everyone, including residents and country’s guests, who will be required to pre-register.

Those wishing to take part in "Baku Marathon 2016" should be registered in the registration points in Baku’s shopping malls or via www.bakumarathon.az website between April 11 and 25.

Participant should fill out the registration form, provide a copy of ID card (students must also submit a copy of student ID) and pay the required fee for participation.

Individuals will pay 20 manats ($13) and those who will be involved on behalf of the companies should pay 100 manats ($65). Students can join the marathon for free.

To date, similar marathons were held in London, Paris, Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, Barcelona, Istanbul and other cities. The distance at the marathon is 42 km, and half marathon is 21 km.

Such kind of marathons is also organized for a charity purposes. Held in 1981, a charity marathon in London entered the "Guinness World Records" book as the most important charity marathon.

The fund assembled from the Baku marathon will be directed to the project of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation related to children deprived of parental care.

Marathon winner will receive a cash prize of 3,000 manats ($1,962), while owner of the second place will get 2,000 manats ($1,300), and the third place winner will receive 1,000 manats ($654).

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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