The fourth Turkistan Marathon, organized by the “Courage to be the First” foundation, took place on October 26, bringing together 3,000 participants. The highlight of this year’s event was a record number of international runners: 365 athletes from 20 countries came to the spiritual capital of the Turkic world — almost twice as many as last year. Participants could choose among several distances: 42.2 km, 21.1 km, 10 km (running and Nordic walking), and a 3 km race for children aged 10–14. The marathon’s results are officially recognized internationally thanks to certifications from World Athletics and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
Earlier this year, the Turkistan Marathon became part of the first Turkic long-distance running series — the Turkic Alliance of Long Runs (TAN). Thirty-five marathoners from the alliance took part in the race, continuing their athletic journey across the Turkic world.
“The TAN series symbolizes the unity of Turkic nations, and it is especially meaningful for us that the Turkistan Marathon — held in the spiritual capital of the Turkic world — has become part of this movement. This marathon unites people, inspires them to discover new cities, learn about different cultures, and strengthens the region’s position as a hub for sports and a magnet for runners,” — Galimzhan Yessenov.
Read more here.
On September 28, Almaty marked the main running event in Central Asia — the Almaty Marathon 2025. The fourteenth marathon became truly historic, setting new records in terms of the number of participants, international representation and sports results on the track.
A new level of mass participation and international participation
From the very early morning, Republic Square began to fill with the energy of thousands of runners. This year, 16,149 athletes from 60 countries took part in the competition. The record number of foreign guests is particularly noted — 1,363 athletes came to Almaty specifically to participate in the race. The most numerous delegations were represented by Russia (513), Kyrgyzstan (180) and China (142). The competitive part of the marathon was no less impressive. New track records were set at two key distances at once.
More than just Running: A Charity Mission
Almaty Marathon is not only a sport, but also an important social initiative.
"Each participant helps to promote sports to the masses and supports the charity projects of the foundation. Together with our partners, we are working to ensure that the level of infant disability in Kazakhstan is lower, and the accessibility of sports for children is higher," - Galimzhan Yessenov
Thus, the Almaty Marathon once again confirmed its status as the largest and most significant running start in Central Asia, bringing together thousands of people for the sake of sports and good deeds.
Read more here.
A landmark event dedicated to the 98th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding scientist, geologist and statesman Shakhmardan Yessenov took place at Satbayev University. A new named auditorium was inaugurated in his honor, which became a symbol of the connection between generations and the university's desire to form a new scientific leadership in Kazakhstan.
The new auditorium is not just a classroom, but a modern high—tech space. It was created so that students could acquire knowledge in the most comfortable and effective conditions. The office is equipped with the latest multimedia technologies for lectures and joint projects, and ergonomic furniture provides convenience during classes. The design developed by the famous Kazakhstani architect Chingiz Batyrbekov deserves special attention. The design of the auditorium reflects the chronology of the life and achievements of Shakhmardan Yessenov, which turns the educational process into a lively dialogue with the history of Kazakh science. The project was implemented with the support of the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation.
"Satbayev University played a key role in my grandfather's life. It was here that his journey began. It was here that academician Kanysh Satpayev saw potential in him, becoming his mentor. I believe that the current students of this university represent the human potential that will determine the future of our country. And may this audience become a place of strength, inspiration, and growth. Let ideas be born here that will change industries and destinies" - Galimzhan Yessenov.
Shakhmardan Yesenov left an indelible mark in the history of Kazakhstan. Being an outstanding geologist, he led the discovery and development of the largest oil, gas and copper deposits, including Zhezkazgan, Zhanaozen and Kalamkas. His principled position helped preserve the Mangyshlak Peninsula as part of Kazakhstan. Throughout his career, he held the posts of Minister of Geology of the Kazakh SSR, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and President of the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan. His achievements were awarded the Lenin and State Prizes. Today, the foundation named after him continues the work of the academician, supporting the intellectual potential of the country through educational grants.
Read more here.
In 2025, a unique project was launched in Central Asia and Transcaucasia: the TAN Association combined five international marathons into one running series. Turkestan, Almaty, Bishkek, Baku and Samarkand are cities where races representing the Turkic world take place.
The name TAN, short for the Turkish Alliance of Long Runs, reflects the idea of unity through sport. Each TAN marathon is recognized by the international AIMS Association.
Galimzhan Yesenov, Chairman of the Courage to Be the First Foundation and one of the key organizers of TAN, noted the importance of the alliance not only from the point of view of sports, but also as a tool for cultural integration.
"The unification of marathons in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan under the auspices of TAN opens up new opportunities for our countries. This project will raise our marathons to a new level, contribute to the economic development of the regions, promote national attractions and strengthen friendship between peoples" - Galimzhan Yesenov.
TAN marathons started for the first time in 2025. To get the fifth medal, a symbol of participation in the entire series, you need to run the official distance at each of the five starts. The unique award will be a reminder not only of the sporting path, but also of the cultural journey through the four countries.
The TAN project is conceived as an international running platform where sports are combined with culture, tourism and history. For the countries of the region, this is a chance to assert themselves on the global sports scene and promote the ideas of openness, health and partnership.
Read more here.
The sixth Yessenov Data Lab Summer School for Data Analysts has concluded at Almaty Management University (AlmaU). This educational intensive is held annually by the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation in partnership with AlmaU. In 2025, 15 young professionals took part in the Program. Over the past 6 years, 115 participants have completed the Program.
The 2025 School Program began on June 16. It was a month-long course which consisted of 2 parts: 2 weeks of online training and 2 weeks of offline training at AlmaU. During this time, the participants mastered the key skills in machine learning, Python programming, chatbot development, language models, computer vision, and neural networks. This year, special attention was paid to artificial intelligence technologies, making it one of the defining features of the School in 2025.
High-quality training was ensured through lectures and consultations delivered by leading experts in IT and science. Among the lecturers were:
- Kuanysh Abeshev, Ph.D. in Mathematics, Dean of the School of Digital Technologies, AlmaU;
- Timur Bakibayev, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Director of Digital Transformation, Narxoz;
- Vladislav Yushchenko, Senior Engineer at Meta’s London Office;
- Nikita Saxena, Research Engineer at Google DeepMind.
Today, we are summarizing the results of an intensive and, as I’ve been told, quite challenging Program. It was not easy – difficult tasks, advanced tools. But it is precisely these difficulties that shape real experience. I would like to thank AlmaU for the partnership – together we are creating new opportunities to develop Kazakhstan’s intellectual potential. Yessenov Data Lab participants, may this knowledge become a driving force in your lives, studies, and careers. May it open new horizons before you - Galimzhan Yessenov
Ream more here.