Within the scope of the events held for the 42nd foundation anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Sports Affairs Unit operating under the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Student Development, Events and Sports Affairs Directorate, organized a ‘Republic Run’ event on Friday, 14 November 2025 at 02:00 p.m. The sixth edition of the traditional run began in front of the EMU Lala Mustafa Paşa Sports Hall and concluded at the EMU Yasin Düşüner Stadium, following the completion of racecourse set through the campus.
EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu gave the start signal of the event which was attended by EMU Board of Trustees (VYK) President Dr. Erdal Özcenk, VYK members İsmail Güneş Güneşoğlu and Beyhan Gürgöze, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, EMU Vice Rector for Promotion and Institutional Communication Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, EMU Registrar Yağmur Ergüneş Tümer, academic and administrative personnel members, and students.
Before the run, EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, addressed the participants, saying: ‘Today, on the 42nd anniversary of our Republic, we gather together for the Republic Run. I sincerely thank everyone for taking part and wish us all a bright future, hoping we will come together for many more celebrations”.
“EMU Will Continue to Generate Value in All Fields”
In this address, EMU VYK President Dr. Erdal Özcenk stressed that November 15 is a day of pride for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, adding; “November 15 marks the founding day of our Republic. Each year, we hold the Republic Run to celebrate this significant day and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the Republic. This event stands as a meaningful symbol of our dedication. I extend my gratitude to all the participants of our annual traditional run. Just as it leads in scientific achievements, Eastern Mediterranean University will continue to generate value in sports and all areas that benefit society.”
First, Second and Third Place Cups Awarded
In the U18 age group, Emir Kafa, as the only male participant, secured a spot on the podium. In the U18 women’s category, Ada Kafa, a national athlete, claimed first place, followed by Acıbesu İflazoğlu in second and Sofia Palupets in third.
In the 18–35 general category, the men’s podium featured Enis Alçıcı in first place, Ömer Faruk Kicim in second, and Hasan Doğa Yürekli in third. On the women’s side, Reyhan Melisa Kabaklıoğlu took first, Gökay Tabur came in second, and Laren Şeren placed third.
For the +35 age category, Aydın Kayol achieved first place among men, Onur İstillozlu second, and Serdar Avcı third. In the women’s +35 category, Naile Günbay took first place, Havva Baletti second, and Yağmur Ergüneş Tümer third.
A Special Award was also presented during the event. Elvin Kaymakçı, the youngest participant, was invited to the podium and presented with a special award.
Ranking competitors were presented with their awards by EMU VYK President Dr. Erdal Özcenk, EMU VYK members Beyhan Gürgöze and İsmail Güneş Güneşoğlu, EMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, EMU Sports Affairs Unit Coordinator Aydın Kayol, EMU Sports Affairs Chiefs Mehmet Topöu and Osman Konnolu, EMU Sports Affairs Unit Coaches Hasan Maydon and Tuğba Aydın.