In honor of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, 67-year-old journalist and running enthusiast Nurmammet Kakabayev undertook an impressive run, successfully covering a distance of 35 kilometers. The symbolic event took place in the renovated 15 Years of Turkmenistan’s Independence Park in the capital.

A native of the Babadaykhan etrap in the Ahal velayat and a resident of the capital’s Olympic Village, he has for many years demonstrated by personal example that true youth lies in maintaining an active lifestyle. Since 2003, he has risen every morning at 4–5 a.m. and run between 5 and 10 kilometers along the capital’s canal. Nurmammet-aga skillfully combines physical exercise with intellectual development: while running, he memorizes poems by Magtymguly Fragi, Alexander Pushkin, Sergei Yesenin, Marina Tsvetaeva, and other poets, while also learning new English words.

Thanks to regular training, the journalist has completely given up medication and amazes doctors with his excellent health. He is a regular participant in long-distance running events. Thus, in April of this year, Nurmammet Kakabayev successfully took part in the international “Wings of Friendship” run, organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan jointly with the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sports, the Hyakimlik of Ashgabat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and the “Run Rush” running community. He completed the 10-kilometer distance with ease, crossing the finish line full of energy and receiving a commemorative medal.

This time, Nurmammet-aga organized a special personal run—without any official competition and entirely on his own initiative. Starting early in the morning at 6:30 a.m. in the 15 Years of Turkmenistan’s Independence Park, he crossed the finish line at exactly 12:00 noon, having covered the full 35 kilometers. Despite the prolonged challenge, the athlete feels excellent.

The location was chosen for a reason:

“Running in the renovated park is a real pleasure: there are fountains, flowers and cleanliness all around,” said Nurmammet, sharing his impressions.

The runner prepared for the event with particular enthusiasm. One week before the start, he tested the route by running 27 kilometers. Especially for the symbolic run, Nurmammet-aga had commemorative T-shirts made bearing inspirational inscriptions:

• “Öňe, öňe, diňe öňe jan Watanym Türkmenistan!” (“Forward, forward, only forward, my beloved Motherland Turkmenistan!”)

• “Garaşsyzlygyň 35 ýyllygy” (“35th Anniversary of Independence”)

• “Ýaşlar – Watanyň daýanjy” (“Youth are the support of the Motherland”)

• “Garrylar gerek” (“My dear elderly people”)

• “Güýz marafony” (“Autumn Marathon”)

• “Aşgabat – 2026” (“Ashgabat – 2026”)

“The main purpose of my decision is to run 35 kilometers, corresponding to the glorious 35th anniversary of our independence, and thereby express my love for the Motherland through sport, as well as set an example for young people,” noted N. Kakabayev.

For Nurmammet-aga, running has long gone beyond the bounds of a simple hobby:

“For me, running is not only a healthy lifestyle, but also a path that has become the meaning of my entire life. When you run, you get a boost of energy for the whole day. Active pursuits give you strength and self-confidence.”

On weekends, he often runs 25 kilometers. His sporting biography already includes four classic marathons (42 km 195 m), completed in 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2018.

The 35-kilometer run became the main autumn achievement of this healthy-lifestyle enthusiast. However, he does not intend to stop there: during the winter season, Nurmammet Kakabayev plans to run a classic marathon for the fifth time, in honor of the International Day of Neutrality, and next year he intends to raise the bar even higher—setting a personal record by covering a 70-kilometer distance for the first time.