The Azerbaijani people welcomed us very well.
"Report" reports that this was stated in a statement to journalists by Üzeyir Söyləməz, a Turkish athlete, the winner of the Gabala-Khankendi ultramarathon.
He shared his impressions of winning the gold medal:
"The race was very interesting. Another difficult race awaits me next week. Since Azerbaijan is important to me, I accepted the invitation as soon as it came. When I came here, I was touched to see the graves of the martyrs who died in the Karabakh war. I wish mercy to each of them. I won the first three stages, and Omar Alkanoglu won the last one. The last day was a short distance run. Since I secured the championship, I had fun on the last day, I wanted to share the championship with my friend. I came happily, I am returning to my country happily. I am first in the overall standings. The last stage was a stressful race, it was like training. I am very pleased with my victory."
Ü.Söyləməz stated that he would like to participate in such competitions in Azerbaijan again:
"I hope that bigger competitions will be organized in the next seasons. The world should see these beauties. Frankly, I didn't think the marathon would be held at such a high level. They are very beautiful, natural places. It's good that you returned your lands. I am thinking of coming again next season. I also wish more people to participate in this marathon. The organization was at a very high level. The Azerbaijani people also welcomed us very well. I hope Azerbaijan will come to better places."