Almaty Marathon 2025: 64-year-old Kazakhstani has become one of the oldest volunteers

One of the oldest volunteers of the 14th international Almaty Marathon has become 64-year-old Darya Nurkenova. This year, she has joined the volunteer team for the first time and helped around Ekiden relay race awarding zone.

One year ago, Darya Nurkenova fought back a serious disease and was thrilled to become a part of the largest sporting event in Central Asia. “It is never late to come to sport and be on the move. The main thing here is to keep being positive and venture not only as a sportsman, but as a volunteer as well. This work is really useful and motivating,” shared Darya. “The Marathon atmosphere is so special: competitive spirit and ethos of sport, happiness and optimism that unite the youth and older people. Our health is essential, and sport always helps staying active and happy,” notes Darya.

Volunteers play a key part in the Marathon organisation. On the Start Day, the Almaty Marathon engages around 1,500 volunteers who provide their support to the sportsmen on the distances and in the Start/Finish area. One month before the race, approximately 750 people form starter kits, 600 more help at the Almaty Marathon EXPO during issuance days.

“Since last year, we have been developing the direction aimed at attracting elder volunteers to the key points. 70 such volunteers in the age from 25 to 73 took part in the Marathon in 2025. And the youngest volunteer was 11 – he took part in accompanying his parents, and the oldest was 73. It is crucial, because volunteering unites the generations: the young learn responsibility and teamwork, and the senior pass on their life experience and show an example of activity. Such energy and support create a special environment and inspire the Marathon participants,” notes Saltanat Kazybayeva, Executive Director of “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund.

It should be noted that the Almaty Marathon proved the status of the largest running event in Central Asia once again. In 2025, it gathered the record-breaking number of participants - 16,149 people from 60 counties, and around 1,400 of them were foreigners, that is more than 8% of the total number. Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and China became the leaders as to the number of sportsmen.

The organisers gave special consideration of the comfort and inclusiveness. It was the first time when the Start/Finish area had special bio-toilets for the people with special needs and mother-and-child rooms. Separate restrooms were provided for women with free hygiene supplies inside.

Women participation became truly remarkable: the finish line was crossed by more than 7,000 women, what is 44.4% of the total number of athletes.

The Almaty Marathon is included in the series of Turkic starts - TAN, and its race routes have been certified as per the World Athletics standards. Today, it is not just a sporting holiday, but a significant social project that unites people, supports charity initiatives and develops a new running culture in the region.