Set up your goals and make the city of Erbil your travel destination. Come along and join thousands of runners and peace lovers from all over the world for the Erbil International Marathon on 31 October 2014!
Join Thousands of Other Runners to Run for Peace
No matter what pace or what distance you run, there is always space for everyone in the Erbil International Marathon. Offering the full marathon (42.195km), half marathon (21km), 10km and 5km categories, you will be able to find the distance that suits you.
Held in Erbil City and located in the Iraq Autonomous region of Kurdistan, the Erbil International Marathon attracted about 7,000 participants in October last year. Organised by Iraqi Kurdistan NGOs Network (IKNN) in cooperation with Erbil governorate and in support of “Sports against Violence”, men, women, and children from all over Iraq and the world came to the historical city of Erbil to run for peace!
Discover the Rich Cultural Heritage of Kurdistan
Stay after the Erbil International Marathon to truly enjoy the rich cultural history of Erbil. Containing hundreds of archaeological sites, Erbil is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the world, which has been settled more than 8,000 years ago. The beautiful Erbil Citadel is located on a mound that rises up to 32 metres high, offering great views over the city. This historical city centre was recently granted the UNESCO World Heritage Site status, making it one of Kurdistan’s must-see sights!
Observe the Kurdish culture and Kurdistan region, a region of diverse ethnicities and religions. Discover an ancient religion that is practiced only in Kurdistan called Yazidism, which is linked to Zoroastrianism.
The city of Erbil is run by the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government, and is mostly unaffected by the strife in the rest of Iraq.
Additionally, visitors from the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan will enjoy free 15 days visa upon arrival.
Not only can you enjoy running in the one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities, Erbil is also perfect for those seeking unspoiled mountain scenery and ancient archaeological sites off the beaten track!
The Erbil International Marathon takes place on 31 October 2014. Registrations are now open.
