WRC
marathon.az

Baku Marathon

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calendar_today 03 May, 2026

directions_run Running

language Official Website

sell $11.75

About the Event

The Baku Marathon 2026 is a landmark sporting event in Azerbaijan, initiated by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to promote a healthy lifestyle and the development of athletics. Scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, this ninth edition marks a historic milestone as it introduces the full 42.195 km marathon distance for the first time. Running under the inspiring motto "Win the Wind" (Küləyə qalib gəl), the race has evolved from a local half-marathon into a major international distance event, drawing thousands of participants to the streets of the "City of Winds."


Race Logistics and Technical Route

The 2026 course is an ambitious point-to-point route that showcases the architectural transition from Baku's historic seaside to its modern urban developments, concluding at the Caspian coastal resort area.

Key Information Details
Main Distance 42 kilometers (Inaugural Full Marathon)
Registration Period January 19 – April 25, 2026
Start Point State Flag Square (Dövlət Bayrağı Meydanı)
Finish Point Sea Breeze Resort (Caspian Coast)

Regional and Demographic Overview

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is the largest city on the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus region, with a metropolitan population of approximately 2.3 million residents. It is a city where East meets West, characterized by its UNESCO-protected Old City (Icherisheher) and futuristic skyscrapers like the Flame Towers. Demographically, the population is predominantly Azerbaijani, with a culture deeply rooted in Turkic heritage and secular modernism. The median household income in Baku is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting its status as a regional energy and financial hub, with an estimated average monthly salary of approximately 1,200 AZN (roughly $700 USD).

The local culture is defined by grand hospitality and a forward-looking spirit. Bakuvians take immense pride in their city’s rapid transformation into a venue for global events, such as Formula 1 and COP29. The marathon motto, "Win the Wind," refers to the city's geographical identity as a windy peninsula, symbolizing the residents' resilience and drive to overcome challenges. The event fosters a culture of corporate solidarity and social inclusion, with major participation from local businesses and government entities. The finish line at Sea Breeze represents the city's modern leisure culture, blending high-level sport with the upscale Mediterranean-style lifestyle of the Absheron coast.


Participant Experience

Athletes can register online or at major city hubs including 28 Mall, Ganjlik Mall, and Deniz Mall. The course is a visual tour of Baku, passing the iconic Baku White City Boulevard, the Heydar Aliyev Center, and the Baku Olympic Stadium area before heading toward the coastline. Participants can access detailed preparation programs and logistical support for their belongings on race day. The marathon attracts top international talent, with previous record-holders like Sezgin Ataç and Natalia Semenovich setting high benchmarks for the event’s competitive spirit. All finishers are rewarded with a unique sense of accomplishment for conquering the first full-length Baku Marathon route.

Races Offered

Marathon

May 03, 2026

straighten

Distance — 42.2K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

10:00

sell

$11.75

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Baku.

Temp (°C)
Feels Like (°C)
thermostat 14.0° / 22.6°
wb_sunny 11.6° / 19.9°
Wind (km/h)
Humidity (%)
air 15.7 /
water_drop 68.5%

About Baku

Learn more about the host city, Baku.

Scenic view of

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and is the largest city in the Caucasus. Baku's Old Town has UNESCO World Heritage status. Many cultures and architectural styles mix in Baku, in particular Turkish-Islamic elements meet strong Western European and Russian-Eastern European influences. With 28 metres below sea level, Baku is the lowest-lying capital city in the world.

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Hotels & Places to Stay

Video

Watch highlights and course previews from previous years.

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