The Running Fest took place on 13 July 2025 at Shahdag Mountain Resort in Azerbaijan, bringing together participants from the Turkic States and member resorts of the Union of Turkic Ski Resorts (UTSR). The event united athletes, tourism professionals, and winter resort representatives from across the Turkic World, further reinforcing the spirit of unity, healthy living, and regional cooperation.
The festival featured three scenic trail routes of varying lengths and difficulty:
• Shahdag Trail – 53 km
• Laza Trail – 27 km
• Zindanmurug Trail – 9 km
Following the races, Dr. Mirvokhid Azimov, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), attended the award ceremony and personally presented medals to the winners in each trail category. In his remarks, Dr. Azimov congratulated all participants for their determination and enthusiasm, emphasizing that such events play a vital role in strengthening bonds of friendship and cooperation among the Turkic nations.
He also praised the organization of the Running Fest as a valuable initiative that promotes wellness, enhances tourism visibility, and fosters people-to-people connectivity across the region. Dr. Azimov highlighted the growing role of the UTSR in transforming winter resorts into year-round destinations for eco-tourism, outdoor sports, and cultural exchange.
The Running Fest stands as a testament to the shared commitment of the OTS and UTSR to advancing sustainable tourism development while nurturing unity and camaraderie among member states.
