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.
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