Third Khankandi ultramarathon to bring together 100 athletes

The third International Khankandi Ultramarathon, scheduled for October 8-11, is expected to bring together 100 athletes from five countries, Report informs, citing the Baku City Circuit Operations Company.

The ultramarathon is jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Azerbaijan Athletics Federation and the Baku City Circuit Operations Company. The race will start in Gabala and finish in Khankandi after covering a total distance of 192 kilometers.

The event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and running, as well as showcase different regions of Azerbaijan through sport. The Gabala-Khankandi route is expected to provide a demanding test of participants' physical fitness and endurance.

The ultramarathon will consist of four stages:

• Gabala-Aghdash - 55 km

• Aghdash-Barda - 65 km

• Barda-Aghdam - 44 km

• Aghdam-Khankandi - 28 km

Winners of each stage will receive separate awards, while the overall winners of the ultramarathon will be presented with the main prizes.

The Khankandi Ultramarathon was first held in 2024 along the Khankandi-Baku route. The 380-kilometer race attracted 64 athletes from four countries.

In 2025, the event was held along the Gabala-Khankandi route, with 81 athletes from six countries taking part.

The 2026 edition will be the third Khankandi Ultramarathon and will once again follow the Gabala-Khankandi route.