The "100th Anniversary Women of the Republic Run", specially organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Republic, was held with great excitement on the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. In the event that brought together the power of women with the values of the republic, thousands of republican women shouted the message "The Republic is Strong with Women, Women are Strong with the Republic" to the whole world.

Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in Istanbul was the scene of a historic event today. The run, which started with the signal of National Women's Volleyball Team Captain Eda Erdem Dündar, went beyond a sports activity and turned into a symbolic memory for the whole of Turkey. The event, which was the first organization held on the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and was attended by more than 3 thousand female runners, also showed the strength and achievements of Turkish women to all of Turkey.

Under the slogan "The Republic is stronger with women, women are stronger with the Republic", the "100th Anniversary Women of the Republic Run" started early in the morning. With the stage lessons of the Republic Band and sports trainers, the march started on the European side, travelled to the Anatolian side and ended on the European side. 

"Thanks to the Republic, I have realized my dreams"

Underlining that one of the most important achievements of the Republic is the rights provided to women, Eda Erdem said, "The Republic creates a unique ground for women to realise their dreams. As a female athlete, I am happy to realise my dreams thanks to the Republic."

All participants received commemorative medals

The women who ranked in the race won the Women of the Republic Run Award totalling 225 thousand TL. Iyvne Jeruto Lagat, who came first, won the grand prize of 20,000 TL, Esmanur Yılmaz came second and Nazire Güleç came third. All women participants in the race received a special commemorative medal prepared for the 100th Anniversary Women of the Republic Run.

"We glorify the values of our Republic"

Speaking at the award ceremony, Günseli Çeçen, Chairman of the Board of IC İbrahim Çeçen Foundation, said, "This special run on the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge on the 100th anniversary of the Republic is not only a sporting event, but also an unforgettable memory that glorifies the values of our Republic and carries them into the future. With the strength that the Republic has given us, our women are making a name for themselves throughout the world in science, sports and the arts. This event once again underlines the inseparable bond between the Republic and women. I say 'Long live the Republic, long live the women of the Republic' and thank all supporters and participants."

"A march of love, hope and enthusiasm"

Commenting on the event, Serhat Soğukpınar, Chairman of the Board of ICA, said, "The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, a structure that has hosted many "firsts" in Turkey, brought together the strength of our women and the value of the Republic today, on the 100th anniversary of our Republic. This run, which is not only a sporting event but also a run of love, hope and enthusiasm, showed the whole world how far our Republic and our women have come. This event was the best representation of our unity and solidarity in the 100th anniversary of our Republic and showed how strong we are nationally and internationally. Here's to many more 100 years together!"

Realized with extensive support

The event was organized in cooperation with ICA, a subsidiary of IC Holding, and IC İbrahim Çeçen Foundation, with the support of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Istanbul Governorate and the Istanbul Municipality. The women's departments of Beşiktaş and Galatasaray sports clubs also participated in the event. The proceeds of the event were donated to organizations such as Darüşşafaka, TOG, TOÇEV, TED, Turkish Athletics Foundation and Yanındayız Association.

The run is to become a tradition

The event, which is an opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our republic and emphasize the power of women, is expected to become a traditional event next year and in the years to come, with the aim of bringing a new international sports organization to Istanbul.