The "OYAK 65th Anniversary Run," held for the first time on Istanbul's Dragos coastal line, brought together professional athletes, running enthusiasts, and OYAK members in a shared celebration.

Approximately 2000 participants, including OYAK General Manager Murat Yalçıntaş, ran shoulder to shoulder success in the race.

The Turkish Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (OYAK) crowned its 65th anniversary with a special sporting event emphasizing unity, togetherness, and solidarity.

The "OYAK 65th Anniversary Run," intended to become a tradition, was held on the Kartal – Dragos coastal line, one of Istanbul's unique routes, with the participation of nearly 2000 sports enthusiasts.

The running event, attended by OYAK General Manager Murat Yalçıntaş along with OYAK members and employees, turned into a large family gathering.

The event, held against the backdrop of the islands' scenery, featured two separate courses for participants of different skill levels; 5 kilometers and 10 kilometers.

Participants and spectators, who filled the area from early morning, watched the Turkish National Team's World Cup match against Australia live on giant screens. The excitement of the national team and the pride of OYAK's 65th anniversary were experienced as one on the Dragos coastal line.

“We Named Our Event ‘Solidarity,’ Not ‘Competition’”

Addressing all participants at the event, OYAK General Manager Murat Yalçıntaş highlighted the strong similarities between business life and sports, stating:

“The biggest common point between business life and running is that everyone moves towards the same finish line, but at their own pace. Today, we moved forward with determined steps not only individually, but as a large family, and in the end, we crossed the finish line as a family. Therefore, we didn't name our event ‘race.’ What we have seen in previous tournaments and in today's races is not competition, but rather the practice of working together, solidarity, respecting your friends on the same track, supporting each other, and celebrating together. Much more valuable than finishing first alone is that we all arrived there together, with enthusiasm. Those who sped up also motivated those who lagged behind. Today, our applause goes not only to the winners, but also to those who never gave up.”

“Hopefully, it will continue like this for another 165 years”

Turkish Athletics Federation President Ahmet Karadağ, in his speech, stated that the event was also very important for OYAK members and employees, and added:

“OYAK members, OYAK employees, everyone competed here. This is the first time I've seen such a beautiful event area in Türkiye. I've been involved in athletics for 47 years, and as the federation president, I participate in over 300 organizations every year. I've never seen such a beautiful organization. If a race has more than 1,000 participants, it's considered a very successful event all over the world. I don't know if it will be repeated every year, but even this single race made us very happy. OYAK is very important to us. Hopefully, it will continue like this for another 165 years, not just 65. OYAK will continue to support our strong army for many more years.”

24 companies, 7 branches, and a massive sports festival

The grand gathering on Dragos coastal line, also marked the grand finale of the "65th Anniversary Sports Events" which brought together 550 employee athletes from 24 companies within the OYAK group.

The competitions, which lasted for a week and included 7 different branches (football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, tennis, and bowling) saw a significant achievement. The participation rate of female athletes reached 15%.

In the 5 kilometer category of the race held as part of OYAK's 65th anniversary celebrations, a total of 600 athletes were at the starting line, with 448 being OYAK employees and 152 being other runners.

Open to all domestic and foreign athletes aged 16 and over, the 5 kilometer race saw Dilay Yıldızhan take first place, Selcan Canlı second, and Gizem Taşyaka third in the women's category.

In the men's category, Ilaman Shyhnepesov finished first, Ahmet Emir Saygılı second, and Mehmet Demir third.

The 10 kilometer category, where enthusiasm and excitement were even greater, saw a total of 1100 participants. This group included 613 OYAK members and employees, along with 487 other participants, all sharing in the joy of the 65th anniversary celebrations.

In the women's 10 kilometer category, Dilek Koçak came first, Fatma Arık second, and Özlem Kaya Alıcı third.

In the men's category, Sezgin Ataç finished first, Hüseyin Can second, and Halil Yaşın third.

The awards were presented to the winners at a ceremony held after the completion of the courses.