Aksaray University (ASÜ) hosted a 5,000-meter "Republic Run" to mark the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic, drawing approximately 250 participants. Despite the rainy weather, the event saw a strong turnout, with attendees including ASÜ Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Erşan Sever, Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kayıhan Erbaş, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Prof. Dr. Talat Baran, Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Veysel Çakmak, and Social Contribution Coordinator Prof. Dr. Berkant Kayan, alongside athletes, faculty members, and both domestic and international students. Organized through a collaboration between the ASÜ Faculty of Sports Sciences and the Social Contribution Coordination Office—with sponsorship from The Rest Gym and Nora Optik—the Republic Run took place on the ASÜ campus. Participants competed in men’s and women’s categories, striving to complete the 5,000-meter course. Members of the Anatolian Young Motorcyclists Club also provided support for the event. Aksaray Municipality offered soup to the participants, and prior to the race, attendees completed registration and received their bib numbers. Following a technical briefing and a warm-up session, the races for both the men’s and women’s categories were officially set in motion.

Sever: There are important lessons to be learned from the founding of the Republic

Following the conclusion of the races, the results were announced, and an awards ceremony was held for the top-ranking participants. During the event, plaques of appreciation were also presented to the sponsoring companies. Speaking at the awards ceremony, ASÜ Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Erşan Sever thanked the attendees and drew attention to the lessons that should be drawn from the process of the Republic’s founding. Noting that the Republic was not established under easy circumstances, Sever stated that a great achievement was realized despite the hardships, financial constraints, and challenging conditions of that era. Emphasizing that this success was rooted in faith and perseverance, Prof. Dr. Sever urged everyone to strive toward their goals, taking into account their own specific circumstances and available resources. He noted that students and administrators, rather than complaining when faced with difficulties, should focus on generating solutions and putting in the necessary effort; he further underscored the importance of applying this same approach to science, ethics, and integrity. Expressing his satisfaction with the successful completion of the event, Sever voiced his hope that the initiative would continue in the coming years with even broader participation. Prof. Dr. Sever extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the organization, execution, and support of the event.

Awards Presented to Winners of the Republic Run

Awards were presented to the top finishers across various age groups and participation categories in the Republic Run. The event also recognized the youngest and oldest male and female participants, the most successful university student, and the top-performing academic and administrative staff members. In the men’s 18–35 age category, Okan Yumuk took first place, Zafer Şamil Güneş second, and Muzaffer Karakaya third. In the women’s 18–35 age category, İnci Kalkan finished first, Şule Seyran second, and Yasemin Ezin third. In the men’s 36–50 age category, Gökhan İkioluk placed first, Çağlar Arıbaş second, and Utku Karakaya third. In the women’s 36–50 age category, Sibel İpek took first place, Merve Ağır second, and Kiraz Aksu third. In the men’s 51 and older category, Erdoğan Sağdıç secured first place, followed by Ali Ceylan in second; Aksaray University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Erşan Sever finished third in this category. Winners received a cash prize of 5,000 TL, while second-place finishers received 1,500 TL and third-place finishers received 1,000 TL. The recipient of the "Republic Day Special Award" was determined by a draw. Organized to mark the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic, the event combined the spirit of the national holiday with athletic activity. The Republic Run, which drew significant interest, concluded with a commemorative group photograph featuring the award-winning participants.