First-stage winners announced at III International Khankandi Ultramarathon

The winner of the opening stage of the III International Khankandi Ultramarathon has been determined.

According to Report, citing the Baku City Circuit Operations Company, athletes started the first stage in Gabala and covered 52.5 km to Aghdash.

Among the men, David Kharazishvili of Georgia won the opening stage. Andrey Yegorov of Lithuania finished second, while Irakli Janashia of Georgia took third place.

Among the women, Olena Shevchenko of Ukraine finished first, followed by Leyla Abdinova of Russia in second place and Natalya Vallek of Azerbaijan in third.

Participants will cover a total distance of 192 km before finishing in Khankandi.

The ultramarathon consists of four stages: Gabala-Aghdash (52.5 km), Aghdash-Barda (63.5 km), Barda-Aghdam (46.8 km), and Aghdam-Khankandi (29.2 km).

Winners of each stage will be awarded separately, while the overall winners of the ultramarathon will receive the grand prize.

The main aim of the international ultramarathon is to promote a healthy lifestyle and running, as well as to showcase different regions of Azerbaijan through sport.

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

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