Thousands Race in Konya’s Half Marathon

The “4th International Konya Half Marathon,” organized by Konya Metropolitan Municipality, was held with the participation of thousands of athletes from 37 countries.

The event, held in collaboration with the Selçuklu Foundation for Individuals with Autism (SOBE), the Meram Life Support Center for Individuals with Down Syndrome (DOSD MERAM), and the Karatay Alzheimer Day Care Center, was attended by Konya Metropolitan Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay, Karatay Mayor Hasan Kılca, Meram Mayor Mustafa Kavuş, Konya Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Birdal Öztürk, President of the Turkish Athletics Federation Ahmet Karadağ, President of SOBE Foundation Mustafa Ak, President of DOSD Meram Mehmet Munlafalıoğlu, and officials from the Karatay Alzheimer Day Care Center.

The starting signal for the 21-kilometer International Half Marathon and the 10-kilometer road race was given at 9:00 a.m. at the start and finish line set up on Kışla Street.

Following the enthusiastic start, Konya Metropolitan Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay shared his thoughts on the marathon, stating that Konya was experiencing one of its historic days. “We have a large number of participants from 37 countries and 65 cities. Hopefully, next year in May, we plan to hold our fifth half marathon. It continues to grow and develop each year,” he said.

The 4th International Konya Half Marathon, held this year with great enthusiasm, brought together 5,000 athletes from 37 countries, including Turkey, who ran to raise awareness for autism, Down syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease. As participants completed the course surrounded by Konya’s historical and cultural beauty, the excitement of the marathon was felt throughout the city.

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 top finishers in the highly competitive 10K and 21K races. The awards were presented to the athletes by Konya Metropolitan Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay and other protocol members.

TOP THREE FINISHERS IN THE RACES

In the men’s 21-kilometer race, Kenyan athlete Elijah Tirop Serem claimed first place with a time of 01:04:28. Ramazan Baştuğ from Turkey finished second with a time of 01:04:46, while another Kenyan runner, Laban Kipkemboi, secured third place with a time of 01:05:05.

In the women’s 21-kilometer race, Kenyan athlete Eunita Chepchumba took first place with a time of 01:16:54. Dilek Öztürk from Turkey finished second with a time of 01:17:14, while Meseret Yrdaw from Ethiopia came in third with a time of 01:17:37.

In the men’s 10-kilometer race, Ersin Tekal secured first place with a time of 00:31:54, followed by İbrahim Karateker in second with 00:32:07, and Serhat Damar in third with a time of 00:32:14.

In the women’s 10-kilometer race, Burcu Subatan Belir took first place with a time of 00:35:35, Sümeyye Erol finished second with 00:35:47, and Yonca Kutluk came in third with a time of 00:35:52.