Astana Half Marathon 2026: 5th Anniversary Half Marathon to Gather 7,000 Runners from Over 30 Countries

On 7 June, Astana will host the 5^th anniversary Astana Half Marathon. The capital’s largest running event organised by “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund is set to welcome 7,000 runners from more than 30 countries. Its track will pass through the city’s key urban locations and iconic landmarks. The event welcomes everyone – whether runners, supporters or guests to the run camp.

Competitors will run past the capital’s most famous sights – starting from the Square of Independence they will cross the Arkhar Bridge and the Syganak – Mangilik El Bridge with the thrilling views of Akorda and the Essil River, then passing the Baiterek, Abu Dhabi Plaza and EXPO.

The run is traditionally pleased to offer the following four distances: 21.1 km (half marathon), 10 km, 10 km (Nordic Walking) and the Ekiden Relay. The organisers invite professional athletes and amateur runners of all ages.

“Five years ago, “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund organised the first Astana Half Marathon with the aim of promoting a running culture in the capital and developing mass sports. Over the years, the marathon has grown into one of the city’s largest sporting events attracting an increasing number of domestic and overseas runners. All the world’s capitals host running events, and Astana with its minimal elevation gain, comfortable summer weather and convenient logistics has every opportunity to develop major international running events and sports tourism,” noted Saltanat Kazybayeva, Executive Director of “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund.

All finishing runners who meet the time limit will be awarded the finisher’s commemorative medal.

Running events organised by “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund are the only runs in Kazakhstan included in the calendar of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), which brings together over 445 races across 115 countries. This testifies to the high level of organisation and strict compliance with international standards. The half marathon tracks are certified in compliance with the World Athletics standards.

Furthermore, the Kazakhstan Championship 21.1 km Race will be held as part of the half marathon in partnership with the Athletic Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The event will be organised 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. 

Registration is also underway for the Almaty Marathon – the largest running competition in Central Asia, which will be held on 27 September 2026 to mark its 15^th anniversary. Registration is available at almaty-marathon.kz.

The Astana Half Marathon is organised with the support of the Astana Akimat.

General partner of the Astana Half Marathon: Halyk Bank

Astana Half Marathon organisers: “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund, Krida Fitness Club, Sh.Yessenov Science and Education Foundation.