EXCITEMENT OF THE ETİ LİFALİF INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON

IN ESKİŞEHİR

The ETİ Lifalif International Eskişehir Half Marathon and Sports Festival, held under the theme "I'm Running in the 2026 Year of Eskişehir," was marked by great excitement this year. A total of 2,465 athletes from 14 countries competed on the streets of Eskişehir, creating colourful scenes alongside the excitement of winning medals. The half marathon was officially started by Nihat Çuhadar, Acting Mayor of Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality.

Hosted by Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality and held on 15-16 August with ETİ Lifalif as the main sponsor, the ETİ Lifalif International Eskişehir Half Marathon and Sports Festival brought together sports and entertainment over two days.

On the first day of the festival, activities began at 10.00 at Sazova Science, Culture and Art Park and continued throughout the day. In addition to group exercise sessions such as yoga, Pilates and Zumba, seminars on sports nutrition and various workshops were held in the festival area. At the Children's Run, which took place at 17.00, young athletes experienced the excitement of racing, while fun activities for children were organised before and after the race.

On the second day of the event, the streets of Eskişehir were filled with the excitement of running, with athletes participating from Türkiye as well as Russia, the United States, Iran, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, South Sudan, Egypt, South Africa, Syria, Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, France and the United Kingdom.

The 21K Half Marathon started from Sazova Science, Culture and Art Park at 08.00, followed by the 10K Race at 08.15. Nihat Çuhadar, Acting Mayor of Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, gave the starting signal for the races, in which para-athletes and corporate teams also competed in the 10K course. Addressing the athletes before the race, Çuhadar conveyed the greetings of Eskişehir Metropolitan Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce and said: "Sport here is not really about competition; it is about strengthening friendship, solidarity and companionship. We organised this event with the support of ETİ and the contribution of our Metropolitan Municipality. I wish you all a healthy and successful race."

Athletes competed fiercely along the course, which passed through Eskişehir's historic and iconic landmarks, while residents lined the route and supported them with applause. With athletes from 14 different countries taking part, the race created an international atmosphere and brought together sports with Eskişehir's historical and cultural attractions.

The excitement that filled the city's streets came to an end at Sazova Science, Culture and Art Park, where an award ceremony was held for the top finishers in the 21K Half Marathon and 10K Race.

At the award ceremony, Nihat Çuhadar, Acting Mayor of Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, congratulated the athletes on their performances and said: "I would like to thank all the participants from abroad, from different cities and from Eskişehir who took part in the event we organised under the theme 'I'm Running in the 2026 Year of Eskişehir.' As Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, we are extremely pleased to have hosted such a wonderful event. Following the special activities of the Sports Festival, today we experienced the excitement of a wonderful half marathon. I congratulate you all on your determination and competitive spirit. We witnessed some very special moments along the course running through the streets of our city. Together, we once again witnessed the unifying power of sport."

Çuhadar continued: "I sincerely congratulate all our athletes who won awards by placing in the race, as well as everyone who had the courage to take part. Just as it did today, Eskişehir will continue to be at the heart of sport through international events. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to Eskişehir's culture of sport and solidarity. We are glad to have sport, glad to have Eskişehir, and glad to have the Eskişehir Half Marathon."

Following the speech, awards were presented to the athletes who placed in the 21K Half Marathon and 10K Race.

The results of the ETİ Lifalif International Eskişehir Half Marathon were as follows:

10K RACE

Men

1. Resul Çevik
2. Emre Karatepe
3. İbrahim Erata

Women

1. Merve Karakaya
2. Damla Çelik
3. Demet Mutlu

21K HALF MARATHON

Men

1. Yunus Emre Akkuş
2. Fetene Alemu Regasa
3. İrem Can Ayaz

Women

1. Dilek Koçak
2. Fatma Arık
3. Elif Naz Köseoğlu