Konya Welcomes Global Athletes for Major Marathon Event

The “5th International Konya Half Marathon,” organized by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality and marked by great excitement, was held with the participation of thousands of athletes from 56 countries.

The races started at 09:00 at the starting and finishing line set up in front of the Mevlana Cultural Center, including the 21-kilometer International Half Marathon, as well as the 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer road races.

ATHLETES RAN IN THE RAIN

The 5th International Konya Half Marathon, held this year and marked by great enthusiasm, brought together 7,542 athletes from Türkiye and 56 countries. Despite the rainy weather, participants ran to raise awareness for autism, Down syndrome, and Alzheimer’s. Completing the course on a rainy Konya morning, runners experienced the city’s historical and cultural landmarks along the route, while marathon excitement was felt throughout the city.

AWARDS PRESENTED TO TOP FINISHERS

An award ceremony was held in the event area set up in the parking lot of the Mevlana Cultural Center by the Metropolitan Municipality for the athletes who placed in the 21-kilometer, 10-kilometer, and 5-kilometer races, where fierce competition took place. The awards were presented by Konya Governor İbrahim Akın, Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay, Konya Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Major General Cemil Lütfi Özkul, Turkish Athletics Federation President Ahmet Karadağ, along with other protocol members.

Athletes who came to Konya from different countries and many cities across Türkiye for the race said that the event’s high energy impressed them greatly, despite the rainy weather.

They described the organization as an unforgettable experience both athletically and socially, and expressed their thanks to the Konya Metropolitan Municipality and everyone involved in making the event possible.