The Turkish-Canadian Society (TCS) will hold its third annual Atatürk Run on May 19 at Stanley Park. The day is recognized as The Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, honouring the start of Türkiye’s fight for independence in 1919. The event has since grown to a celebration of Turkish heritage—a notion that resonates with Gözde Çamsoy-Karadağ, director of strategy at TCS.

“The celebrations on May 19, Commemoration of Atatürk, youth and sports holiday have always been memorable for me,” she recalls of the celebrations in Türkiye. “We would like this event to become one of the highly anticipated running events in the future.”

Recognizing Atatürk

The day commemorates the Republic of Türkiye’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938). Regarded as modern Türkiye’s founding father, Atatürk is remembered for his vision of a democratic state. Çamsoy-Karadağ notes that the day’s association with youth was the work of Atatürk himself.

“Approximately four months before his death, Atatürk wanted this meaningful day to be entrusted to young people,” she shares. “On June 20, 1938, with the law enacted, this holiday was renamed ‘Youth and Sports Day’ and celebrated under this name until 1980.”

The director adds that the following year—in 1981—the day was once again renamed to “May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk Youth and Sports Day.” The United Nations and UNESCO also recognized 1981 as the centennial of Atatürk’s birth and honoured the Turkish stateman’s legacy by declaring it “The Atatürk Year in the World.”

“In Türkiye, this day is celebrated in stadiums, with sport performances and parades of high school and university students,” Çamsoy-Karadağ adds.

Running events are also held in three Turkish cities: Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. The TCS’ first Atatürk event occurred in 2023. One of their community members—Zeynep Çalışır—conceived of the idea as a cultural sport event for the organization.

“The first time we organized Atatürk Run, it was a smaller event with a group of very keen participants,” the director recalls. “The second one which took place last year attracted a larger crowd since TCS announced the event on several platforms.”

Building momentum

Last year, the TCS also worked with event organization company, Istanbul Visions. The partnership led to a performance by Turkish musician Demir Demirkan. Çamsoy-Karadağ and her team are building on this momentum for the upcoming third edition.

“We designed a running t-shirt exclusively for the third Atatürk Run and have prizes for the podium finishers,” she shares. “We are also going to hold a community picnic after the race ends.”

Amongst the prizes are specially designed Türkiye-themed t-shirts as well as running equipment, such as a cap and socks. The TCS is also selling Atatürk Run t-shirts made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric. Participants will gather at Stanley Park Second Beach Picnic Shelter prior to beginning the 5K route.

“We frequently hold BBQ parties and picnics at Second Beach,” says Çamsoy-Karadağ of the TCS. “The seawall makes us feel at home since it is quite similar to the many running routes in Istanbul.”

After the run, a potluck-style community picnic will take place. The TCS also plans to host games, such as a potato sack race and tug of war, for both youth and adults, provided there is interest.

Attendees will also pose for group photos, a keepsake to remember their commemoration of the Turkish Republic’s 102^nd year. Çamsoy-Karadağ looks forward to all of the day’s festivities; for her, the part that holds the “most fun” is the announcement of the podium finishers. 

“I remember waving the Turkish flag together with my peers in the stadium many, many times, performing before a big crowd and cheering on the numerous events that happened on this day,” she recalls her memories in Türkiye.

Established in 1963, the TCS is a registered non-profit charitable organization. Alongside the Atatürk Run, the organization also holds a number of arts, cultural, and social events—including the Vancouver Turkish Film Festival and Women’s Art on Women’s Day. At this year’s Atatürk Run, all is welcomed regardless of fitness level or cultural heritage.
 
For more information, see https://turkishcanadiansociety.org/ataturk-run/.