AGENDA
Arm Marathon Foundation organizes a number of running events in Armenia throughout the year. “VMF Vanadzor Half-Marathon” is the first half-marathon event organized in the town of Vanadzor.
The goals of the run:
- Promoting long-distance running in Vanadzor and other regions of Armenia.
- Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and running.
- Supporting Vahe Meliksetyan Foundation
- Developing sports tourism in Armenia.
“VMF Vanadzor Half-Marathon” Overview
“VMF Vanadzor Half-Marathon” is the first half-marathon event organized in the town of Vanadzor.
The run starts in Hayk Square (the central square of Vanadzor) and continues through the central streets.
- Organizers: Arm Marathon Foundation, Vahe Meliksetyan Foundation, TriClub multisport club.
- Supporters: Vanadzor Municipality and the Lori Regional Administration.
RACE OVERVIEW
VMF Vanadzor Half Marathon is the first half-marathon event organized in the town of Vanadzor. All proceeds from runners’ registration fees are directed to help the charity cause.
Distances
- 1 km kids run: ages 3-12 (children under 7 must be accompanied by a parent).
- 5 km run and 4x2.5km Relay: 13 years old and older.
- 10km run: 16 years old and older.
- 21.1km run: 18 years old and older.
For age limitation and age group award purposes participant’s age is determined as of December 31, 2025.
REGISTRATION & ENTRY FEES
All proceeds from runners’ registration fees are directed to support the implementation of the VMF’s educational-medical programs aimed at developing clinical pharmacy in Armenia.
- 1 km kids run: 1000 AMD
- 5 km run: 4000 AMD
- 4x2.5 km relay: 20,000 AMD
- 10 km run: 7000 AMD
- 21.1 km run: 10,000 AMD
Participants travelling from Yerevan can join the shuttle transportation to Vanadzor for an additional fee of 4000 drams.
CANCELLATIONS
Entry fees are non-refundable. Please email info@armeniamarathon.org for inquiries. All proceeds from runners’ registration fees are directed to help the charity cause.
PACKET PICK-UP
Race packs can be collected on September 13, 2025. Time and exact location will be announced soon. Participants must present a valid ID to receive their racing packs.
Start, Course, and finish
- Start Date: September 14, 2025.
- Start and Finish Location: Hayk Square - Vanadzor, Armenia.
- The Official Route of the race passes through the central streets of Vanadzor.
AID STATIONS
- Food stations are available every few kilometers and will include fruits and water.
- Medical aid is provided at the Start/Finish area.
Rules and regulations
Event Schedule
September 14
7:00 - Buses depart from Yerevan to Vanadzor
8:00 - Opening of start area
08:55 - Warm-up
09:00 - Start of 1 km kids run
09:30 - Start of 21.1km, 5 km, 10k, 4*2.5km distances
12:15 - Award ceremony
12:30 - Concert program
14:00 - Event closing; buses return to Yerevan
IMPORTANT: Under-age participants must have a parent present to sign; valid ID required for packet pick-up.
Charity donation
The event supports the Vahe Meliksetyan Foundation, which aims to develop clinical pharmacy in Armenia.
The Foundation was established in 2021 with a mission to fulfill the professional dreams of a clinical pharmacist, scientist, and lecturer at the Department of Clinical Pharmacy of YSMU - Vahe Meliksetyan, who fell in the 2020 Artsakh War. Vahe was also a part of almost every charity run.
Over the past four years, VMF has invested more than 41 million AMD in the fields of education and scientific research. During this time, the foundation established educational programs, provided scholarships and tuition fee coverages to pharmacy students, supported the participation of local clinical pharmacists in professional development programs abroad, and conducted comprehensive research to identify the prospects for the development of clinical pharmacy in the Republic of Armenia.
Volunteers
The Arm Marathon team thanks you for your decision to volunteer at the upcoming race. Let’s make this event a real celebration for athletes, residents, and visitors of Vanadzor!
Every large and small sports event needs volunteers to make it happen - your contribution is priceless. This race is no exception! We count on many volunteers to help the “VMF Vanadzor Half-Marathon” happen.
If you are friendly and responsible, like helping people, and support a healthy lifestyle, join us as a volunteer
Based on our experience of previous years, we see that many of our volunteers get inspired and run our follow-up races! If you are already into sports, but cannot participate in the race this year for some reason, join as a volunteer - you know better than anyone else how important it is to get timely help, a cup of water, or a well-deserved medal at the finish line!
Each volunteer will receive a volunteering certificate!
To become a volunteer of VMF Vanadzor Half Marathon, join our Volunteer community on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/939256272779286
Organizers
The “VMF Vanadzor Half-Marathon” is organized by the Arm Marathon Foundation, Vahe Meliksetyan Foundation, TriClub multisport club, with the support of the Vanadzor Municipality and the Lori Regional Administration.
Our organizational team consists of professional sports event organizers who are deeply enthusiastic about cyclical sports and running. We love running - this is probably the most important thing about us, and we want our country to love it as much as we do.
Every year, we strive to make our events meaningful on multiple levels:
1) We aim to deliver the highest level of professionalism through accurate routes, precise timing equipment, and fair sportsmanship open to all participants.
2) We are committed to helping those in need - every event we organize includes a charitable component.
3) We seek to attract more tourists to Armenia by providing exceptional service through world-class event organization and management.
