OREANDA-NEWS. March 17, 2008. Prime Minister Andrus Ansip raced the first ski marathon in the history of Turkey in Anatolia, Arkut Mountains, and finished eleventh.

“The marathon track ran through wonderful nature and amazing views. I hope that in Turkey, with such snow in the mountains for an average of five months a year, skiing will become a more popular field of sports,” said Ansip after racing the 35 km track. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the marathon will become a tradition in Turkey, and that the Anatolian Ski Marathon could become a member of the Worldloppet series.

The first ski marathon in Turkey was won by Martti Himma, member of the Estonian national youth team, and second place was taken by Teet Jagomдgi, who was a member of the business delegation during the visit of the Prime Minister. Third place was awarded to Turkish ski trainer Fikret Цren. The Prime Minister finished the marathon in eleventh place.

The marathon was also attended by several Estonian diplomats, including the Estonian Ambassador in Turkey, Mдrt Volmer, and Ambassador in Greece, Peep Jahilo.

The Anatolian Ski Marathon in Gerede was held in classic style and distances were 35 and 20 kilometres. The track ran in the central mountains between 1700 and 1800 metres.

The marathon was organised by Jaanus Teppan, who is training the Turkish national ski team, in cooperation with the Estonian Embassy. The purpose of the marathon was to introduce our skiing traditions within the framework of the celebrations of the 90th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.