Almaty will host the 15th edition of the Almaty Marathon on September 27. A total of 16,000 people have registered for the anniversary race, and because of a route change in 2026, more streets than ever will be closed, the website infohub.kz reports.
According to Kursiv LifeStyle, anyone can run one of three distances: 10 km, 21.1 km and 42.2 km. Slots for the shortest distance sold out far faster this year than before, reflecting growing interest in the race, above all among Kazakhstanis.
A large number of foreign guests is expected: health enthusiasts from 60 countries plan to run through the city and take in its sights. Among them are Australians, Canadians, Argentinians and Brazilians. Japanese runner Yuki Kawauchi will be a special guest of the marathon.
Some Almaty residents continue to view the event negatively, primarily because of the street closures. Few, however, consider that the marathon brings foreign tourists to the city — and therefore money — and that it has become a vibrant sporting celebration for residents themselves. Still, social media users have once again asked for it to be held outside the city so that roads are not closed. This year, given the numerous road repairs, Almaty residents joke that the run will be an obstacle course.
The route has been changed for 2026, and more streets will be closed for it. Previously, for the longest distance, 42.2 km, athletes and amateurs ran two laps along the same route. Now the marathon route will not repeat itself: it will start at Abai Square and run along the avenue of the same name to Bauryzhan Momyshuly Street, as well as through Shevchenko, Kurmangazy, Kabanbai Batyr and Bogenbai Batyr streets, and finish at Republic Square.
Kursiv LifeStyle previously wrote about how the spring marathon in Almaty unfolded and the extravagant costumes its participants wore.