Almaty Marathon: the largest running event in Central Asia to be held on September 29

September 3, 2024

More than 15,000 athletes from 50 countries will be brought together and run through the city's most important landmarks.

Almaty, Kazakhstan, 03 September 2024/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – On 29 September 2024, Almaty will host for the thirteenth time the Almaty Marathon, the largest running event in Central Asia. More than 15,000 athletes from 50 countries will be brought together to run through the city’s most important landmarks. The start and finish is in Republic Square which has become an annual tradition.

The Almaty Marathon offers a 10-km race, 21.1-km half marathon and a 42.2-km full marathon. The Nordic Walking fans can enjoy a 10-km distance and corporate participants can participate in the Ekiden Relay (42.2 kilometres divided into six shorter distances for six team members). The marathon routes run through the heart of the city, allowing participants to enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Zailiyskiy Alatau Mountains and Almaty’s sights.

The running event is a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) which guarantees high-quality arrangements and compliance with international standards. The marathon tracks are certified in compliance with the World Athletics standards. The event is organized by “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund, which has been actively engaged in the development of mass sports in Kazakhstan since 2012 and arranges more than 10 sporting events every year.

The Almaty Marathon’s mission is to develop an active lifestyle, making sport affordable to everyone. The organizers also pursue a charitable mission. In just 12 years, the Fund has been involved with more than 30 charitable projects worth over KZT 277 million in Almaty and Almaty Region. The Fund has commissioned dozens of football fields, climbing walls, sports grounds and special equipment to develop sensorimotor integration, neuromuscular system and to support children’s development.

Over the past year, the Fund raised a record KZT 65.5 million for 8 charitable projects benefitting more than 1,377 children. Every year, as the number of marathon participants grows, the Fund increases charitable donations enabling more Kazakhstani children to get involved in sport. About 14,000 runners from 44 countries participated in the running event in 2023.

Galimzhan Yessenov, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund, commented on the impact of the Almaty Marathon on the city:

“We set ourselves ambitious goals: develop sport, popularise the running culture and strengthen the image of the city. In 2012, a total of 2,500 runners took part in the event with this number increasing 6 times in 2023. Almaty can rightfully be called the running capital of the region. Running has become part of the everyday life in Almaty. Charity is no less important part of the project. We are proud of the fact that the marathon has turned into a large-scale event that not only unites people, but also makes a significant contribution to the development of mass participation sports.”

Saltanat Kazybayeva, Executive Director of the Corporate Fund, adds:

“The Almaty Marathon has long become not just a sports event, but a powerful catalyst for the development of the region by attracting tourists to the city and stimulating the growth of local businesses.”

ENDS

Registration is available at almaty-marathon.kz.

Please visit official website to find detailed routes of the event.

Registration for the marathon will be available on the website until 16 September 2024 or when the number of participants reaches 15,600 people, including 100 Ekiden teams.

Title sponsor: Kaspi.kz

Almaty Marathon Organizers: “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund, Krida Fitness Club, Sh.Yessenov Science and Education Foundation and multisports Youtube-channel #DifferentYou.