A New Route and Over 6,000 Runners: Capital City Hosts the Astana Half Marathon 2025

On 1 June, Astana hosted its largest run to date — Astana Half Marathon attracting participants from 38 countries. Astana’s flat track attracted more than 6,000 runners, who enjoyed the run and unique urban views while setting personal records. The Half Marathon was organised by “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund.

For our runners, the day off began earlier than usual. The start area opened on the Independence Square in Astana at 5.30 a.m. The Corporate Fund’s entire team along with their partners and volunteers were already in place and ready to welcome the first runners.

“This is our 4^th Astana Half Marathon. This year, we have moved the start point from EXPO to Independence Square and updated the track to accommodate the growing number of runners. We are doing our best to ensure a comfortable experience for half marathon runners so that they could enjoy a dynamic sports festival at the finish line,” said Saltanat Kazybayeva, Executive Director of “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund. 

The Astana Half Marathon is a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and its tracks are certified in compliance with the World Athletics standards. Experienced runners come to the half marathon to set their personal records. For example, Faizullo Pulatkhodjayev from Uzbekistan was aiming to meet the Uzbekistan Candidate Master of Sports requirements for the 21.1-km distance and to set his personal record (spoiler: he succeeded and will return to beat new records at the Almaty Marathon on 28 September).   

Before the start, runners traditionally warm up with coaches from the KRIDA Fitness Club. This helps to keep their joints healthy and prevent injuries. The half marathon’s mission is to promote a running culture, which prioritises a healthy lifestyle.

This is start time for first runners. The 21.1-km and Ekiden relay runners were the first to start at 07:00 a.m. The crowd of friendly runners made their way towards their goals after a loud countdown led by the familiar voice of Valikhan Ten.

Meanwhile, the 10-km race participants and Nordic walkers were gathering on the start line to kick off. Zhanbolat from Astana came to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the run and set his personal record. “Everything is organised very well, and we’re very lucky with the weather,” stressed the runner. 

At 7:50 a.m., more than 6,000 participants were already running the exciting Astana Half Marathon route with views of the capital’s iconic landmarks — the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Akorda Residence, Yessil River embankment, Baiterek Monument and Abu Dhabi Plaza. The capital’s avenues, which are always busy with traffic, were now at the disposal of runners, and even the air felt different on the track.

Kamila from Almaty took part in the run for the second year. “We came with the Irbis Runners team and enjoyed it very much. Last year, I took part in the 10-km distance race; this year I’m running the half marathon. The new track flowing through two bridges made running even more interesting and exciting.”

The finish line was set at the Kazakh Eli monument. Here one could see happy runners each wearing a unique medal on their neck. It was not even 10 a.m., but runners had already set their records and made the podium. The men’s best result was achieved by Ukrainian Vitaly Shafar who finished in 01:05:23. The next finishers were Uzbek runners Nodirbek Mutalipov (01:06:18) and Bekzod Boimatov (01:06:42).

Dana Aidossova from Kazakhstan had become an overall female winner of the half marathon with a time of 01:17:43. Second and third places went to Yekaterina Tunguskova (01:18:29) from Uzbekistan and Yelena Tolstykh (01:19:45) from Russia. For more results, please visit almaty-marathon.kz.

Among the finishers was the Funduk Foundation’s inclusive team of 40 members representing strong Kazakh people with disabilities and compassionate runners with kind hearts.  

“This is the third time our team, which grows every year, has participated in the capital’s half marathon. We strive to develop an inclusive society based on mutual assistance, and we want to inspire Kazakhstani people to pursue their passions regardless of their circumstances,” said Sergey Kho, an organiser of inclusive teams and practising runner, who encourages joint participation in marathon races.

The run was followed by thrilling games and energetic speeches by organisers and partners in the start area. Runners could enjoy snacks and drinks, and dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly way as the Zero Waste containers were placed throughout the running camp for recyclable and wet waste.

Runners’ families also enjoyed the sporting event. Nazerke came to support her husband, who was running the half marathon. “My husband sets a great example for our kids.  Our daughter, son and me are waiting for him at the start area and we enjoy the time. The vibe among marathon runners is special, and we are happy to be part of this community.”    

The first summer run is finished, and it is time to prepare for the next one. On 29 June, we will meet in the picturesque mountains to run the Tau Jarys, and on 28 September we will welcome runners at the largest running event in Central Asia — Almaty Marathon. Registration is now underway at almaty-marathon.kz.

It should be noted that since 2012, “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund has been organising sport events for active lifestyle fans in Kazakhstan. The Fund’s history goes back to the Almaty Marathon, the largest running event in Central Asia, and today it includes more than 10 annual runs of various formats. The next major event organised by the Fund is the Almaty Marathon that is the largest in Central Asia and will bring together 16,000 runners.

The Astana Half Marathon was 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.