Pictures by Alexey Gimalitdinov
In honor of Turkmenistan’s 35th anniversary of independence, 67-year-old journalist and enthusiastic runner Nurmammet Kakabaev completed an impressive run, successfully completing the 35-kilometer distance. The symbolic event took place in the capital’s renovated “15 Years of Turkmenistan’s Independence” park.
A native of the Babadaykhan etrap in the Ahal province and a resident of the capital’s Olympic Village, Nurmammet Aga has been demonstrating for many years that true youth lies in an active lifestyle. Since 2003, he has risen every morning at 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. and runs 5 to 10 kilometers along the capital’s canal. Nurmammet Aga masterfully combines physical activity with intellectual development: while running, he memorizes poems by Magtymguly Pyragy, Alexander Pushkin, Sergei Yesenin, Marina Tsvetaeva, and other poets, and learns new English words.
Thanks to regular training, the journalist has completely given up medication and amazes doctors with his excellent health. He regularly participates in long-distance races. For example, in April of this year, Nurmammet Kakabayev successfully participated in the international race “Wings of Friendship,” organized by the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan in partnership with the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sports, the Ashgabat City Hall, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and the “Run Rush” running community. He easily completed the 10-kilometer distance, finishing full of energy and receiving a commemorative medal.
This time, Nurmammet Aga organized a special personal race—without any official competition, entirely on his own initiative. Starting at 6:30 AM in the “15 Years of Turkmenistan Independence” park, he finished at 12:00 PM sharp, having covered the full 35 kilometers. Despite the long ordeal, the athlete feels great.
The location was not chosen by chance:
“It’s a pleasure to run in the reconstructed park: there are fountains, flowers, and cleanliness all around,” Nurmammet shared his impressions.
The runner prepared for the event with particular trepidation. A week before the start, he tested the course, running 27 kilometers. Especially for the symbolic run, Nurmammet-aga made commemorative T-shirts with inspirational slogans:
“Öňe, öňe, diňe öňe jan Watanym Türkmenistan!” (“Forward, forward, only forward, our native Fatherland – Turkmenistan!”)
“Garaşsyzlygyň 35 ýyllygy” (“35 years of Independence”)
“Ýaşlar – Watanyň daýanjy” (“Youth are the support of the Motherland”)
“Garrylar gerek” (“My Dear Old People”)
“Güýz marafony” (“Autumn Marathon”)
“Aşgabat – 2026” (“Ashgabat – 2026”)
“The main goal 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. Kakabaev.
For Nurmammet-aga, running has long since outgrown the boundaries of a simple hobby:
“For me, running isn’t just a healthy lifestyle, it’s a journey that’s become the meaning of my life. Running gives you a boost of energy for the whole day. Active exercise gives you strength and confidence.”
On weekends, he often runs 25 kilometers. His athletic resume already includes four classic marathons (42 km 195 m), completed in 2008, 2011, 2015, and 2018.
The 35-kilometer race was the healthy lifestyle enthusiast’s crowning achievement of the fall. However, he has no plans to stop there: this winter, Nurmammet Kakabaev plans to run the classic marathon for the fifth time in honor of International Neutrality Day, and next year, he’ll raise the bar even higher—setting a personal best and completing the 70-kilometer distance for the first time. /// nCa, 29 September 2026 (cross post from TDH – Originally published at https://turkmenistan.gov.tm/ru/post/110459/67-letnij-zhurnalist-otmetil-35-letie-nezavisimosti-turkmenistana-zabegom-na-35-kilometrov)