Paralympian Vusala Babazade: "Baku Marathon" is a great motivation for people with physical disabilities

I believe that such projects will attract more people to sports in the future, especially people with physical disabilities.

Idman.Biz reports that these words were said by Vusala Babazade, a Paralympian in wheelchair sports dance, who participated in the "Baku Marathon 2026" held today at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, in her statement to AZERTAC.

She stated that this is not her first participation in this marathon:

"I have been testing my strength here for the nth time. Healthy life, fresh air... Such marathons have a positive impact on people's health. Although I can't run to the end, being a part of this event, getting to the starting line and testing myself is a great pride and motivation for me. The main thing is not to win, but to participate and develop yourself. Here everyone unites for the same goal. This gives people a boost of morale and increases their self-confidence. It is a great motivation especially for people with physical disabilities."

It should be noted that for the first time, the marathon was organized on a full 42-kilometer route, not 21 kilometers, and 25,000 participants joined the race. Well-known socio-political and art figures, as well as intellectuals, joined the marathon. Along with Azerbaijani citizens, participants from the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Georgia, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, China and other countries also competed for victory.

As every year, people with disabilities, as well as participants with Down syndrome, joined this year's marathon.