2,500 Participants from 22 Countries: Almaty Opens the Running Season

Winter Run took place in the southern capital — the first mass race of the year. The youngest participant was 10 years old and the oldest was 75, Orda.kz reports.

The corporate foundation «Courage to Be First» organized the start with support from the akimat. A total of 116 athletes came from abroad — this is a record for the winter race.

As well as Kazakhstani athletes, competitors from neighbouring countries — Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan — took part. Runners also arrived from nearby countries, including Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Participants from Europe were also present, including those from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway. Guests from even further afield also made it to Almaty, including those from the USA, Canada, China, Mongolia, the Philippines and New Zealand.

Galimzhan Yessenov, chairman of the foundation’s board of trustees, reminded everyone that the Almaty Marathon is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. According to him, all the races are designed to prepare participants gradually for the main event of the season.

The next major event is the Almaty Half Marathon on 19 April. Around 10,000 people are expected to take part. The main marathon of the season will take place on 27 September. The programme includes 10 km, 21.1 km and 42.2 km runs, as well as Nordic walking and the Ekiden relay.

As usual, part of the entry fees will be allocated to charity. Registration is now open.

Original author: Natalya Ovchinnikova