Turkestan Marathon 2026

Contrary to what you may think, you're not heading to Turkey but to Kazakhstan, specifically to Turkestan! 📍 Since 2012, road racing events have emerged in the country, rapidly transforming into international gatherings attracting thousands of participants worldwide 🌍. The Turkestan Marathon has no more to prove its merits! 😌 In the streets of this culturally and historically rich city 📚, you'll discover exceptional monuments with every stride! 🏃‍➡️ So in October, you can put away your fleece 🥶 and bring out your shorts and t-shirt 🌞 to hit the starting line 🚩.

And if there's one thing certain, it's that you'll be able to run: the courses are straight, without elevation, and with only one turn 🚀. The dream of every runner seeking a new personal record! 🤩 You'll still need to endure the distance, and for that, you'll have your pick between a marathon, a half-marathon, or a 10 km. Even walkers will find joy as the 10 km is open for Nordic walking! For the budding runners, no problem: a 3 km race is available for youth aged 10 to 14! 🧒 Perfect for a family outing 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦.

After crossing the finish line 🏁, the adventure continues! Among monuments, lively streets, and traditional bazaars 🏺, Turkestan offers a unique immersion into Central Asian culture. During your visit, you cannot miss the majestic Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi 🕌, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site! 🥰 To learn even more, the Historical, Cultural, and Ethnographic Center and the History Museum are very comprehensive 🧠. If you have time to extend your stay, head to the capital Astana or Almaty to run its Half Marathon or Marathon! 😎

But before you plan other races, grab your ticket to Turkestan, and don't forget the sneakers in your bag! 😉