Turkish Airlines to host 2nd ActivePulse Half Marathon in Dhaka

Turkish Airlines launched the “ActivePulse International Half Marathon 2026” at a ceremony in Dhaka on August 13.

The second edition of the marathon is scheduled to take place at Hatirjheel on September 18, with an expected 3,500 runners.

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SM Ziauddin Hyder, special assistant on health affairs to the prime minister, attended the programme as the chief guest, according to a press release.

Speaking at the event, Ziauddin stressed the value of physical activity for public health and encouraged wider adoption of exercise and active living. He praised efforts to unite communities around running while raising awareness of preventive health.

The categories include the 21.095-kilometre half marathon, a 14.645-kilometre challenge run, a 7.321-kilometre FNF run, and a 1.5-kilometre fun run.

A prize pool of more than Tk 3 lakh has been set aside for eligible amateur athletes in the competitive categories.

Male and female winners will receive equal prize money. A new Veteran 50+ category has also been added to the half marathon, while every finisher of the fun run will receive recognition.

Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, joined the event as a special guest.

This year’s competition, themed “Run the World”, aims to spotlight global cultures in Dhaka while deepening ties between Bangladesh and Türkiye.

Held at a five-star hotel, the ceremony brought together corporate leaders, athletes, diplomats and members of the running community. The official race T-shirt and finisher medals were also unveiled for the first time.

İslam Güre, country manager for Bangladesh at Turkish Airlines, expressed pride in continuing Turkish Airlines’ association with ActivePulse Bangladesh for a second consecutive year.

He described the race as a meaningful platform for bringing the people and cultures of Türkiye and Bangladesh closer through sport, while supporting young leadership and the country’s growing running community.

Several national and international brands have joined this year’s edition, with Turkish Cargo serving as the kit partner and Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport as the hospitality partner.

Beyond competition, the initiative aims to promote active lifestyles and a healthier Bangladesh, organisers said, adding that they believe mass-participation events can encourage people across age groups and professions to stay physically active.

Md Tanvir Hasan, founder and CEO of ActivePulse Bangladesh; Ashwani Nayar, area general manager for Southwest Asia at IHG and cluster general manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport and InterContinental Dhaka; Osman Çelik, chief financial officer of United Aygaz LPG Ltd; and Hakan Altınışık, director of Singer Bangladesh Ltd, were also present.