Winter Run: Some Roads will be Closed in Almaty on 15 February

On 15 February, Almaty will host the Winter Run 2026 organised by “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund. The event is expected to bring together 2,500 runners. The Winter Run Organising Committee hereby informs residents and guests of the southern capital about partial closure of some roads on the day of the run on 15 February 2026. This event has already become a tradition and will be held for the twelfth time this year.

The run will be kicked off at Nurly Tau Business Centre. Participants will run from Al-Farabi Ave. to Gagarin Ave. and then turn around and run back towards Nurly Tau. There are 3 distances of 10-km, 7-km Nordic Walking and 3-km children’s race available to runners this year. 

Traffic on the northern side of Al-Farabi Avenue, from Mendekulov Boulevard (entrance to the tunnel) to Serkebayev Avenue, will be blocked from 08:00 to 10:45. Traffic on Yurii Pomerantsev Street, from Al-Farabi Avenue to Gandi Street, will be partially blocked from 04:00 to 12:00. Alternative route: along Timiryazev Str. in northern direction.

The southern side of Al-Farabi Avenue will be open and available for vehicle traffic.

All the arrangements are made taking into consideration the rational distribution of running time.

Road Closure Schedule for Winter Run 2026 

It is worth pointing out that in so many countries around the world, races are held in the very heart of global cities, creating a buzzing atmosphere and getting the community involved. It’s so great to see fans taking to the streets, hanging flags and posters supporting the runners. Such events become part of urban culture!

Our runs, including the largest Almaty Marathon, bring tangible economic benefits to the city as tax revenues are growing, while sports tourism and local businesses are developing. A recent study by “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund has revealed that during the event less than a thousand participants made purchases totalling an astonishing 8 million tenge. 

Furthermore, tax payments made by partner companies have increased remarkably over the past four years, growing from KZT 318.9 to KZT 873.9 million. About 80% of non-resident participants are planning to return to Almaty.

Timing:

08:00 — Start for the 3-km distance

08:45 — Start for the 10-km distance 

08:50 — Start for the 7-km Nordic Walking

The Winter Run is organised with the support of the Almaty Akimat. 

Please be advised that the Almaty Marathon, the largest annual running event in Central Asia, will take place on 27 September. The following distances are available for runners: 10 km, 10-km Nordic Walking, 21.1 km, 42.2 km, Ekiden Team Relay.  Registration is available at almaty-marathon.kz.