Could Kazakhstan be your next running destination?

Kazakhstan, the ninth largest country, boasts a diverse array of breathtaking natural scenery. Here, unique international running events for both professionals and enthusiasts take place, showcasing the country’s spirit and terrain.

The cities of Almaty and Turkestan are renowned not only for their integration of nature and urban life, ancient history and innovative technology but also for their marathons.

A Garden City, Mountains, and a Tasteful Oasis

The Almaty Marathon on September 29 offers the distances: Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21.0975 km) for participants 18 and older, Companion Run (10 km) and Nordic Walking (10 km) for participants 15 and older, and Corporate Ekiden Relay (42.195 km) for teams of 6 from 16 years old and up.

Almaty is one of the country’s major cultural hubs with a well-developed financial infrastructure. The city is surrounded by mountains, and the famous Medeo high-altitude ice rink is just a 30-minute drive from the city center. Higher up in the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains, at an altitude of 2260 meters above sea level, lies the Shymbulak ski resort.

For 12 years, Almaty Marathon has been the most significant running event in Central Asia, attracting athletes from over 50 countries. It is a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and the marathon course is certified by World Athletics.

Foreign guests of Kazakhstan have become loyal participants in these local races.

Gianfranco Caruso from Sicily knows Almaty Marathon well. He worked in Almaty from 2015 to 2021 and participated in the local race every year. Now back in his homeland, he spends his vacations in Almaty.

“Races in Kazakhstan are associated with happiness for me because I met my wife during a summer race. It positively changed my life. I have made many runner friends,” shared Gianfranco Caruso. He notes that the Almaty Marathon is very well organized and continues to improve each year.

“Usually, in the Sicilian races, I always ran with the ’skilled’ athletes, who were admitted for race only if they observed the certain training program. As to Almaty Marathon, anyone may participate in the event – I had colleagues, who had never run but nevertheless they participated,” Gianfranco Caruso notes.

A major mission of the marathon is charity. Annually, the part of the funds raised from the entry fees are donated to support the children with special needs. For the years of holding of Almaty Marathon, its team has implemented over 30 charity projects to the amount exceeding USD 610 thousand (KZT 277 mln.). The funds are used to build sports and playgrounds, climbing walls, sensory rooms, and purchase rehabilitation equipment and sports gear.

“I believe the charitable contribution in the Almaty Marathon is a unique feature of the local event. I think only Kazakhstan does something like this!” said 68-year-old Parisian Brigitte, an IT manager who took up running in university and has lived and worked in Almaty for 12 years. She has participated in nearly all of the Almaty Marathon races.

“Running with a view of the mountains is fantastic! I usually don’t like crowds, but running together boosts my mood, especially in beautiful places like Almaty, Astana, or our mountains,” said Brigitte.

Pedro Vizhuete Castro, a 33-year-old Spanish language teacher and coach of the HomeRun running club, has lived in Kazakhstan for over 10 years. Running has been a part of his life since childhood, and he is a dedicated participant in the Almaty Marathon.

“I enjoy competing with myself and experiencing the great atmosphere of the sporting event,” Pedro says. “The race is a place to meet friends.”

Pedro notes that despite fewer participants compared to other global events, the organizers strive to conduct the race at a high level.

“For me, the marathon in Almaty is number one in Kazakhstan. It’s great that other cities in the country are also starting to host their own events. I believe in the growth of the running community in Kazakhstan,” Pedro concluded.

A Historical Gem, a Second Mecca, and Craft

In Turkistan on October 27, the distances are 42.2 km, 21.1 km, 10 km, Nordic Walking 10 km, and 3 km for children aged 10–14 years.

Turkistan is one of the oldest cities, founded over 1,500 years ago, and holds a captivating history of the Great Silk Road. Ancient fortresses, mosques, and other historical monuments are preserved here. The city is one of the main centers of Islam in Kazakhstan.

The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is the main symbol of Turkistan, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Muslims in Central Asia, considered a second Mecca.

In October, the city hosts the annual Turkistan Marathon, a major running event in an ethnic style. The course features a gentle gradient with an elevation gain of only about 70 meters, making the marathon accessible to both beginners and intermediate runners, as well as experienced athletes aiming to end their running season on a high note and improve their personal bests.

The marathon is a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and the courses are certified according to World Athletics standards.

Speaking about the two Kazakhstan marathons, it stands to mention their high quality of organization. The organizers aspire to make the marathons outstanding and memorable events providing the participants with the meals on the long distances, medical aid along the track. When holding the marathons, a number of roads and avenues are closed off to ensure the safety of the runners; those are properly prepared for the competitions and controlled.

And, by the way, as compared to other countries, the entry fees for marathons in Kazakhstan are more affordable than in the European countries and the US.

Kazakhstan offers a unique opportunity to combine the run with adventures, cultural experience and quite affordable prices. So, if you wish to immerse into the atmosphere of Asia and get the best European service, choosing Kazakhstan for your next run will be your right choice!

Details on the dates and organization of the Kazakhstan marathons may be found at the official website of events: almaty-marathon.kz.