Erbil Marathon means more than medals

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region- Professional and amateur runners from around the world will step out on the streets of Erbil tomorrow morning for a civic-minded marathon that means much more than medals. 

The Erbil Marathon, a race that winds through the busy city and symbolizes peace and non-violence, begins Friday at 8am in Erbil's Sami Abdulrahman Park on 60-Meter Street.

The event, which was first held in 2011, will feature four races and plenty of activities for families and sports enthusiasts. The races are categorized by distance, including a 42km full marathon, a half marathon, and 10km and 4km competitions.

Fifty countries will be represented in the race, including runners from Russia  and the United States. The winning time for the last marathon, in 2013, was 2 hours and 33 minutes, achieved by Kenya's Vincent Cheruiyot. Iraq natives took the silver and bronze medals.

The marathon was launched four years ago by local citizens seeking to bring hope and health to a country that has been scarred by violence and war. The event's official website says the race is also held "to inform the world that there is a strong community committed to peace and non-violence and justice for their country and that is supported by a wide range of international partners and supporters."

The races are open to all participants, including all abilities, ages and genders. Organizers say non-governmental organizations, government ministries, youth clubs and other groups are encouraged to run for the cause. Winners will receive awards, according to the event's website.

For more information, and to register for a race, visit erbilmarathon.org.