ISTANBUL
The inaugural 1920 Running Race in the Turkish capital Ankara drew hundreds of runners and athletes on Sunday, with prize money awarded to winners in different categories.
The 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) race, held as part of Anadolu’s 106th anniversary celebrations, attracted 1,188 participants.
In the men’s category, Adel Mechaal from Spain powered to victory to complete the race in 29 minutes and 14 seconds.
Derya Kunur finished in first place with a time of 34 minutes and 54 seconds in the women’s category.
The first-place winners in the men’s and women’s categories received 100,000 Turkish liras (about $2,255) each.
Furthermore, second-place winners received 75,000 Turkish liras (about $1,685) and third-place winners 50,000 Turkish liras (about $1,123).
Event received sponsorship support from many organizations
The 1920 Running Race event attracted sponsorship from a wide range of organizations, reflecting strong institutional support and broad interest in its success.
The 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) race, sponsored by Gokturk Holding, Ankara’s Kecioren Municipality, Trendyol, Kizilay Natural Mineral Water, Kizilay Sparkling Mineral Water, Mixmey, Nuh’un Ankara Makarnasi, and Acibadem Healthcare Group, with Yesilay serving as a social responsibility partner, began at 10 am local time (0700GMT) in front of Anadolu’s headquarters.
Following a course that passed around Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Türkiye, the race finished at its starting point.
It was broadcast live on the national broadcaster TRT Spor Yildiz.
Great interest in race
The race has drawn significant interest from sports enthusiasts.
Registrations for the race were received from across many provinces of Türkiye, with international athletes also set to take part.
In addition to the general classification, the race included categories for participants aged 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70 and above.
The first-place winners in each age group received 15,000 Turkish liras ($337), while second-place finishers were awarded 10,000 Turkish liras ($225) and third-place athletes received 5,000 Turkish liras ($112) each.
In addition to Anadolu, Aselsan, the Gendarmerie and Coast Guard Academy, Ankara Masters Athletics Sports Club, Gazi Running, Bursa Osmangazi Belediyespor, and Hacettepe have registered as teams for the 1920 Race.
Alongside individual participation from various institutions and organizations, teams will also compete, with a total of 256 athletes representing their institutions on the course.
