The second edition of the Turkish Airlines ActivePulse International Half Marathon was formally launched in Dhaka on Thursday, with organizers expecting around 3,500 runners for the race set for September 18 at Hatirjheel, one of the capital's best-known running venues.

The launch ceremony, held at a five-star hotel in Dhaka, brought together representatives of national and international organizations, corporate leaders, athletes, and members of the city's running community.

Turkish Airlines is sponsoring the flagship ActivePulse Bangladesh event for a second consecutive year, an association organizers described as aimed at connecting people and cultures through sport. This year's edition carries the theme "Run the World," intended to showcase global cultures in Dhaka while reinforcing ties between Bangladesh and Türkiye.

During the ceremony, organizers introduced this year's event partners and unveiled the official race T-shirt and finisher medals for the first time.

The program was addressed by Dr. S.M. Ziauddin Hyder, Special Assistant on Health Affairs to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, attended as chief guest.

He stressed the value of physical activity in building a healthier society, encouraging people to make exercise and active living part of their daily routines. He also praised initiatives that bring communities together through running and raise awareness of preventive health and general well-being.

Besides, İslam Güre, Country Manager of Turkish Airlines in Bangladesh, and Md Tanvir Hasan, Founder and CEO of ActivePulse Bangladesh, outlined their vision for the race and its role in promoting internationally recognized sporting events in the country.

Güre said Turkish Airlines was proud to continue its partnership with ActivePulse Bangladesh for a second year, calling the race a meaningful platform for bringing the peoples and cultures of Türkiye and Bangladesh closer together through sport, while also supporting young leadership and the country's expanding running community.

Group Captain S.M. Ragib Samad, Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, attended as a special guest. Other corporate and industry figures who addressed the gathering included Osman Çelik, Chief Financial Officer of United Aygaz LPG Ltd.; Ashwani Nayar, Area General Manager of IHG South West Asia and Cluster General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport and InterContinental Dhaka; and Hakan Altınışık, Director of Singer Bangladesh Ltd., who each shared their organizations' perspectives on the initiative.

The half marathon is an AIMS Member Race, with its 21.095-kilometre course AIMS-certified and measured by World Athletics, giving the Dhaka event internationally recognized race standards. Alongside the half marathon, the event will include a 14.645-kilometre challenge run, a 7.321-kilometre run and a 1.5-kilometre fun run, open to all finishers regardless of competitive standing.

Organizers said more than 2,000 runners had already registered before the launch ceremony, a response they described as reflecting strong anticipation for this year's edition. A prize pool of more than 300,000 taka has been set aside for eligible amateur athletes in the competitive categories, with male and female runners receiving equal prize money. A new Veteran 50+ category has also been introduced for the half-marathon distance.

The 2026 edition has drawn a wide roster of sponsors: Turkish Cargo as kit partner, United Aygaz LPG Ltd. as energy partner, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport as hospitality partner, HSBC Bangladesh as supporting partner, and Singer Bangladesh Ltd. as home appliance partner. Additional partners include Safa (hydration), Turkish Lounge & Espresso Limited (food), Polar (ice cream), Maggi Healthy Soup (healthy soup), Fuel (hydration powder), and Upsight Bangladesh (content).

Organizers said the event is intended to promote healthier lifestyles and community engagement beyond the race itself and to support Bangladesh's growing profile in sports tourism and the global recreational running community. They said this year's edition is being planned on a larger scale than the first, with expanded participant services, course management, entertainment, and cultural programming.

With the launch ceremony complete and the race kit unveiled, preparations are now underway for September 18, when runners from Bangladesh and abroad are expected to gather at Hatirjheel for the race.