The car free day is organized twice a year to prevent traffic accidents and encourage people to give up cars. The first car free day of this year was on May 25. It aimed to limit the use of vehicles, and promote the use of other vehicles such as bicycles and walking. It also focused on reducing the frustration and loss of time caused by traffic jams, and the noise of cars, as well as air and environmental pollution. The car free day also created conditions for a healthy life, called for active movement to the public, and organized public competitions, culture, art, and health promotion activities. One of the activities held within the car free day, which attracted the attention of the majority, was the Ulaanbaatar Marathon 2024, which was held for the ninth time.
The marathon was successfully organized with more participants from the previous year. This year, over 30,000 participants from more than 41 countries took part in the marathon. In the main activity of the day, family members, and people with special needs ran for the 1.5 km category. Professional athletes and amateurs participated in the five, 10, 21, 42 km categories. Nine famous athletes from France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, the United Kingdom, and Russia ran for the 21 km and 42 km categories. In order to simplify the registration of foreigners participating in the marathon, this year it was possible to register by connecting an international payment card. Half of all runners were signed up for distances of 10 km and longer, which shows the number of participants in those categories has been growing annually. The Ulaanbaatar Marathon has been organized since 2014, enlarging its range, as mentioned above. In 2019, beyond the citizens of the capital city, it was successfully organized involving more than 32,000 people, including foreign citizens living and working in Mongolia, running enthusiasts from neighboring countries, and well-known athletes from many countries, continents, and the world. In 2020 and 2021, the marathon was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ulaanbaatar Marathon 2022 event attracted over 32,000 runners and more than 400 of them were from 30 foreign countries.
One of the highlights of the marathon was guys wearing special costumes, such as a guy with a suit who ran for 21 km, and a professional basketball athlete who wore a Spider-Man costume while running. In this way, many people reached their destination and crossed the finish line successfully. Most of them talked about their goal of training well and racing even further next year. D.Bloch, a 85-year-old man, was saying, “Even though I got the last place, it felt very good to compete with those people”. Moreover, a seven month old child participated in the family category with the parents. To look at those examples, it was such a great day that everyone got the chance to spend their weekend in the best way, taking care of their health.
Furthermore, a variety of art, culture and sports activities were displayed at the Sukhbaatar Square. For example, “Electro Music Mongolia” was performed with the best Mongolian DJs at the central point of the road. Also, “Happy Together” family day was organized by “Univision” at the Yavuukhulan’s Garden. It was the third year for the family day to be organized on the car free day. On this day full of joy and excitement for little children, there were booths where people could watch artists’ performances, children’s dramas, and cartoons.
If you have missed this marathon, don’t worry, there are several marathons scheduled to take place in 2024. For example, the Mongolian Sunrise to Sunset, which has been organized in Khuvsgul Province since 1999, will be organized on August 14. Mongolian Steppe Marathon, and Khadat Trail 50k marathons will be held as well.
