Astana Half Marathon 2026 Sets a Record for International Participation

The fifth-anniversary Astana Half Marathon took place on June 7 in Astana. The largest running event of the capital arranged by “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund gathered 7,000 participants and set a record for a number of foreign athletes in the entire race history.

This year, the starting line had 243 foreigner runners from more than 30 countries around the world. The majority was the athletes representing Russia – 91 people, Uzbekistan – 28 people, and the USA – 17 people. The starting line was also toed by the participants from China – 15 people, Kyrgyzstan – 14 people, France – 11 people, South Korea – 6 people, Great Britain – 6 people, Poland – 5 people, and Germany – 5 people. The participants came from countries across Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania.

One of the reasons why the run is so popular with international participants is the route that passes the significant sights of the city. It starts at the Independence Square, goes over the bridges Arkhar and Syganak - Mangilik Yel, passes the Akorda, the Yessil river bank, then Baiterek monument, Abu Dhabi Plaza Complex and EXPO premises. Such route not only allows the visitors to take their part in the sporting event but to get to know modern architecture and landmarks of Astana.

Every year the Astana Half Marathon attracts more and more participants from different countries all around the world which proves a growing international status of the Race and strengthens Astana’s positions on the world running map. High quality organisation is one of the reasons for such interest: The Astana Half Marathon is part of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and its routes have been certified as per the World Athletics standards. It ensures the distance accuracy and results credibility, this is why many experienced runners choose the Start in Astana as the one to establish their personal records with.

The organisers continued to develop environmental initiatives together with the sports program. Separate waste collection points were arranged and eco zones with interactive activities were functioning along the route and in the start/finish area as part of Taza Qazaqstan – a national-level measure. The recyclable material collected will be transferred for recycling due to the partnership with EСO Network.

One of the key environmental novelties at the Astana Half Marathon became the use of disposable cups made of 100% recyclable plastic marked PET 1. All the food service areas used them, and when the Race finished, the cups were collected by the eco-volunteers for further recycling. As the organisers report, such technique was introduced during a mass running event in Kazakhstan for the first time ever.

The Fund function as relates to the environment is systematic. Thus, the Almaty Half Marathon that took place on 19 April managed to collect a record-breaking amount of recyclable material - 786.45 kg. Given for recycling were: paper and cardboard – 652.75 kg, plastic – 117 kg, aluminium – 5.6 kg, and film – 11.1 kg. This way, it became possible to bring almost 800 kg of waste back to the recycling instead of sending it to the land fill.

Let us note that registration remains open for the 15^th Almaty Marathon, which marks the event’s anniversary and will take place on 28 September 2026. A special guest of the largest marathon in Central Asia will be a Japanese runner Yuki Kawauchi, the winner of the Boston Marathon.

The Astana Half Marathon is supported by Astana City Akimat.

The Astana Half Marathon general partner: Halyk Bank