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.