Friendship series
Below is a map of the 5K route. Click here to download a more detailed map in PDF format. (1.4M)
Scroll past the map to the bottom of the page for written directions.
The 5k loop course has been measured and certified as accurate by USATF. Most of the course is simple to follow with as few turns as possible. There is a course map near the registration table that may help you know where to expect direction changes.
To qualify for any of the awards, you must remain on the course and pass by all check points. The check points are at key locations on the course where a judge will record your number to verify you have stayed on the course. After the race all the check point records will be reviewed to validate all finishing times. If your number was not recorded at all check points you will NOT receive a completion time or be eligible for some or possibly any awards.
Don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you are not sure about the course direction.
Directions
Where there may be confusion we have placed over 8 judges, 25 directional signs and a few hundred meters of tape to help you find your way. But if you are familiar with the Boulevard and are good with written directions you can review the following and it may help.
The entire course is contained within the walking lanes of the Boulevard Park adjacent to Baku Harbor.
Start/Finish - The course is configured as a loop so the starting line also serves as the finish line. It is at the east end of the Boulevard near the fountains in front of Azadlig Square. There is a banner there that you can't miss.
The course starts heading west approximately 1.75 km along the upper walking lane with the barrier wall and railings remaining to the left. Runners will continue past Az Neft Circle keeping the Motorboat Park to their right. 20 meters after the 2k marker, the course will turn right following the red paving stone sidewalk and continue to the northeastern-most point of the rectangle garden plot. Then go left to the western-most corner and go left again. Continue straight until reaching the walking lane closest to the sea wall, turn right, then left at the turnaround point marked with an arrow. At this point the course is heading northeast and will remain in the walking lane closest to the sea until reaching the second set of steps, where they will continue straight until reaching the first open square (facing Bul Bul Prospect) then angle to the right returning to the sea wall lane. 20m after the 4k marker the course angles to the right, continuing to follow the sea wall lane. There will be two s-curves in the lane which have been measured at the shortest angle, after which the course will angle left departing from the sea wall lane taking a lane with paving stones just prior an amusement ride. Runners will then take a 90 degree left turn on to the upper walking lane continuing approximately 200 meters to the finish line keeping the barrier wall to the left.
Kilometer 1 – a few meters past the beginning of the railing, which begins just west of the Oil Derrick Clock. Marked with a 1km sign and arrow.
Kilometer 2 – Directly in front of the Stubborn Donkey statue on the red paving stone walking lane south of the Motorboat Park. Marked with a 2km sign and arrow.
Kilometer 3 – Directly in front of 4th light pole east of the steps, which are closest to the Yacht Club. Marked with a 3km sign and arrow, keep close to the sea wall.
Kilometer 4 – a few meters east of the light pole in the second garden plot after the open square facing Bul Bul Prospect. Marked with a 4km sign and arrow.