Significance and International Recognition
Over 10 000 people took to the start line. While Kazakhstanis form the core of the running community, interest from abroad has noticeably grown. This year, 821 foreign athletes from 44 countries came to Almaty, making up about 8% of total participants—this is the absolute maximum in the nine-year history of the half marathon.
The race geography spanned nearly all continents. Leading in guest numbers were:
- Russia — 346 people;
- Kyrgyzstan — 146 people;
- Uzbekistan — 81 people.
Runners from China, the USA, the UK, Ukraine, and Belarus also completed the distances. Participation from athletes in Africa, South America, and the Middle East has firmly established Almaty as a key point on the global map of sports tourism.
"Sports tourism is one of the most effective tools for promoting the city on the international stage. It's also important that runners rarely come alone: they are usually accompanied by families and friends, which further boosts tourist flow. For many foreign guests, participating in the race becomes their first introduction to Kazakhstan and a reason to return. According to our research, 79.3% of out-of-town and foreign participants plan to come back to Almaty—this means new trips and increased investment appeal for the city." — Galimzhan Yessenov.
Ecological and Social Responsibility
We continued our commitment to sustainable development by implementing strict ecological standards. This year, the team eliminated unnecessary printed materials and single-use structures. Thanks to our partnership with EcoNetwork, plastic collection points for recycling were set up along the course, and an interactive eco-zone operated in the finish village.The event's social focus was supported by the "Warmth" project: participants could leave unwanted items at special stands, which were later donated to those in need.
Comfort and Inclusivity
Almaty Half Marathon 2026 became one of the most comfortable races in the region. At the finish area, the following were available:
- A mother-and-child room;
- Separate restrooms;
- Specialized facilities for people with disabilities (an innovative practice for mass races in Kazakhstan).
Plans for the Season
The 2026 sports calendar is just heating up. Registration is now open for the next major events:
- Astana Half Marathon — May 31 in the capital.
- The 15th anniversary Almaty Marathon — September 27. This event promises to be the largest in its history.
Read more here.
The Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation has become the general sponsor of Kazakhstan's national team at the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO). The agreement was signed between Yessenov Foundation and the corporate fund "Zhas Geolog," which oversees the national selection process for the competition.
Team Selection
This year, IESO will be held in Turin, Italy, from August 20 to 27, 2026 — marking the 19th edition of the olympiad. The national selection drew nearly 100 applications from high school students in grades 9–11 representing cities across the country, including Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Aktau, Kyzylorda, and many more.
The selection process took place in Astana at Nazarbayev University and consisted of two rounds:
- February 28 — written testing across core disciplines, including geology, hydrology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, geography, and ecology
- March 1 — final round featuring an interview and a hands-on practical assignment
Participants were evaluated by Nazarbayev University professors alongside representatives from both foundations.
Foundation's Support
Yessenov Foundation is providing comprehensive support for the team, covering return flights for all participants and a chaperone, IESO registration fees, visa costs, as well as the production of matching team uniforms and national costumes for the olympiad's cultural program. Following the two-round selection, a team of four top-performing students will be chosen to represent Kazakhstan on the international stage in Turin.
Read more here.
On February 15, the first race of the new sports year, the Winter Run, took place in Almaty. The organizer of the large-scale event was traditionally the Courage to Be the First corporate foundation. The winter start brought together 2 500 professionals and running enthusiasts on one track.
Record geography and running without borders
This year, Winter Run has confirmed its growing international status. Representatives of 22 countries took part in the race, including a record 116 foreign athletes. The geography of the participants covered Central Asia, European countries (from Great Britain and Spain to Scandinavia), Russia, North America (USA and Canada), as well as the Asia-Pacific region.
Sport once again proved that there is no age limit for it: the age of participants ranged from 10 to 75 years old. The most experienced runner showed excellent form, and the youngest participant celebrated her first, 10th anniversary right during the race.
"This year is special for us – the Almaty Marathon celebrates 15 years since its first start. All our races are organized in such a way as to consistently prepare participants for the main event of the season. We see that the foundation's starts already have a stable international status – runners from different countries come to us, and this, in turn, contributes to the development of the urban economy and small businesses" - Galimzhan Yessenov.
Sports and charity
Traditionally, the Courage to Be the First corporate foundation gives its events an important social meaning. Part of the funds raised from the entry fees of the Winter Run participants will be used for charitable purposes.
Race calendar:
• On April 19, the Almaty Half Marathon will be held, which plans to gather about 10 000 participants at the start.
• On September 27, a grandiose, jubilee Almaty Marathon will be held, dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the project.
The Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation competition has ended in Almaty, as a result of which 10 young Kazakhstanis received grants for internships in the world's leading laboratories. In 2026, they will travel abroad to learn from the best researchers. A total of 196 applications were received for the competition this year. The selection took place in several stages. The experts assessed scientific potential, leadership skills, emotional intelligence.
Winners and their research interests:
• Amina Shaikim (26 years old, SDU): The use of AI in education
• Adel Stoyanova (NU): Investigation of the molecular mechanisms of HIV and HPV coinfection to combat cancer.
• Musa Aliyev (19 years old, NU): Development of drives for humanoid robots and exoskeletons.
• Daniil Gerasimov (Kozybayev University): Applied Bioinformatics, genetic engineering and molecular Breeding.
• Timur Yerlanov (21 years old, KazNU): Development of quality indicators for amorphous drugs in Japanese laboratories.
• Murat Kozhanov (KSTU): The use of AI and the creation of digital counterparts to optimize industry.
• Ramazan Kazhdanbekov (22 years old, KazNU): Synthesis of nanomaterials for monitoring and purification of water and air.
• Dimash Davletov (KazNMU): Practical development of neural interfaces (Brain-Computer Interface) and decoding of brain signals.
• Daut Nurlanov (20 years old, NU): Development of AI systems for people with brain disorders.
• Medet Dzhumadildaev (21 years old): Research in the field of fundamental mathematics.
The foundation's grant fully covers the costs of a visa, flight, accommodation and meals. The program has been implemented since 2013, and during this time more than 130 young scientists have completed internships in the USA, Japan, Great Britain and other countries. The new stage of application acceptance traditionally starts in the fall.
Read more here.
ASTANA – For 12 years, Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation, established by entrepreneur and philanthropist Galimzhan Yessenov, has been working to boost the nation’s intellectual development. From its inception, 2,700 direct and more than 38,000 indirect beneficiaries have participated in the foundation’s programs, which foster personal and professional upskilling for students.
Shakhmardan Yessenov is Kazakhstan’s renowned geologist, scientist and statesman. He was a pioneer in the development of some of the world’s largest mineral deposits in the Zhezkazgan and Mangistau Regions. This year, 226 young Kazakh individuals were awarded grants and scholarships by the foundation.
Research opportunities
The cornerstone of the foundation’s initiatives is the research internships program at laboratories around the world. Each year, 10 undergraduate students or young scientists receive the opportunity to complete an internship at a leading research laboratory of their choice worldwide. The organization prioritizes labs with a strong reputation, research aligned with the winner’s field of study and involvement of world-renowned professors. Grants cover all essential expenses, including visas, round-trip airfare and living expenses for the duration of the internship.
“After completing such internships, most of our students gain experience, scientific publications, and an enhanced reputation. That’s why they are widely accepted into master’s and doctoral programs, often with full funding,” said Irina Grishchenko, the chief operating officer of the Yessenov foundation.
Beneficiaries specialize in diverse fields, including biosciences, chemistry, physics, maths, IT, healthcare, robotics and other majors. Over the past 12 years, more than 1,700 students have applied for the program, with over 130 of them completing internships in Canada, China, France, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Switzerland, the United States and other countries. One such participant is 24-year-old Nail Beisekenov, a graduate of Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, who holds a master’s degree from Niigata University in Japan. He completed an internship at Austin Peay University in the United States this summer.
The history of the program
The Shakhmardan Yessenov Scholarship, named after the renowned geologist, scientist and statesman who discovered numerous mineral deposits, remains one of the foundation’s most popular initiatives among students. The most recent competition received over 500 applications nationwide. Overall, 196 young people have received scholarships since the foundation’s establishment.
“Through a participant‑friendly selection process, and with the support of our psychologist‑coach, we choose young people who not only demonstrate strong academic performance but also have a clear commitment to continuing their personal and professional development,” said program manager Aigerym Sultan.
Skill development initiatives
A total of 161 students have recently enrolled in the English Language Program for Regional Universities at Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University. Since 2013, this two-year program has also been implemented at four universities in Aktau, Kyzylorda, Karagandy and Petropavl. To date, 1,506 students and teachers have improved their English proficiency through the initiative, guided by certified teachers such as Antony Durrant and Courtney Bailey. The Yessenov Data Lab (YDL) Summer School for Data Analysts provides intensive training in data science. This year, 15 students completed the program in Almaty, taught by experts including doctor of Computer Science Timur Bakibayev, research engineer Nikita Saxena from Google DeepMind, doctor of maths Kuanysh Abeshev and senior engineer Vladislav Yushchenko from Meta’s London office. Since its launch, 111 individuals have attended the school. Additionally, 10 students received grants for further education in soft or hard skills through the Yessenov Launch Pad competition held this autumn.
Infrastructural support
The foundation has also invested in educational infrastructure, launching the Shakhmardan Yessenov Auditorium at Almaty-based Satbayev University, the alma mater of geologist and scientist Shakhmardan Yessenov. Plans have been announced to unveil a monument dedicated to the prominent scholar in Aktau in 2027, surrounded by a newly created public space, to mark his 100th anniversary.
The foundation has supported Kazakhstan’s school team participating in the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) for several years. This year’s team won seven medals, including gold from Ji’ning, China.
“Summing up the outcomes of 2025, we are pleased to share that we were able to support another 226 talented and ambitious students in developing, exploring and advancing professionally. Since we have stayed in close contact with our winners for many years and followed their achievements, I can confidently say that for many of them, we have become the foundation that truly opened doors to big science and to their chosen professions,” said executive director of the foundation Aiganym Malisheva.
Read more here.
- The results of the Yessenov Launch Pad grants have been summarized
- Turkistan Marathon Breaks Records for the Number of Foreign Participants
- A new milestone: The 2025 Almaty Marathon ended with a lot of records
- Heritage and innovation: Academician Shakhmardan Yesenov Auditorium opened at Satbayev University