The final stage of the Gabala–Khankendi ultramarathon — the Aghdam to Khankendi segment — organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Azerbaijan Athletics Federation, and Baku City Circuit Operations Company, featured an anti-doping awareness program led by the Azerbaijan National Antidoping Agency (AMADA) at the entertainment zone near the finish line.

Held as part of the “Play True Week” initiative announced by the Azerbaijan National Antidoping Agency (AMADA), the program offered marathon participants and local residents of Khankendi comprehensive information about the dangers of doping and the key principles of anti-doping regulations.

The primary objective of the initiative was to promote the fight against doping among athletes, fans, and the broader sports community, while raising awareness of the risks associated with doping and the importance of fairness in sport. Participants received detailed guidance on anti-doping rule violations, the list of prohibited substances, the harmful effects of doping on athletes’ health, and the broader societal impacts of drug abuse. The program also underscored the significance of robust anti-doping policies and reinforced the value of integrity and ethical conduct in sport.

As part of the event, interactive surveys were conducted among athletes and spectators, allowing participants to test their knowledge of anti-doping rules. Those who answered correctly were awarded commemorative gifts. The results of the surveys reflected an encouraging increase in anti-doping awareness and a growing commitment within the sporting community to uphold the values of clean sport.

To mark the occasion, a banner featuring the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) official slogan for this year’s Play True Day — “Play True: It Starts with You” — was prominently displayed.