How to Enter the Almaty Marathon

Set against the Tian Shan mountains, the Almaty Marathon has become one of Central Asia’s most dynamic running events in just a few years. Held in Kazakhstan’s former capital, the race stands out for its spectacular setting, modern organization and strong commitment to charity. Every year, thousands of local and international runners take on a demanding course through wide avenues, urban parks and mountain vistas. But before experiencing Almaty’s unique atmosphere, you need to secure your race bib. Here’s everything you need to know about entering the Almaty Marathon.

✓ How to enter the Almaty Marathon? Marathons.com explains everything in this article.

Open entry: a dedicated online platform

Entries for the Almaty Marathon are handled directly through the race’s official website. Although demand continues to grow, there is no ballot: race bibs are allocated until the available quotas are reached. It’s first come, first served. It’s therefore best to register early, especially as the event attracts several thousand participants every year.

Entry fees increase in successive waves, from early-bird pricing to standard and late registration. The earlier you sign up, the lower the price. Fees vary according to the distance selected, including the marathon, half-marathon and 10K. The minimum age for the marathon is set out in the organizer’s regulations.

The race pack generally includes:

Race bib with timing chip
Medical support along the course
Regular aid stations
Official T-shirt
Finisher’s medal
Access to logistical services, including bag drop and secured start and finish areas

Run for a cause: the charity program

The Almaty Marathon is known for its social commitment. Through its official charity program, participants can support a range of local initiatives. Created by the Courage to be the First Foundation in 2012, the event donates part of its entry fees every year to social and sports projects across Kazakhstan. Runners can make a donation during registration or launch a fundraiser for a specific project.

The funds raised help finance publicly accessible sports facilities and support educational and social projects in Kazakhstan. Since the program began, more than 300 million tenge, approximately €600,000, has been raised, funding over 30 charitable projects. Running in Almaty is also a tangible way to contribute to local development.

Volunteer at the Almaty Marathon

The event relies on a large volunteer network. Every year, several hundred volunteers help make the race a success by managing aid stations, directing runners, handing out race bibs and providing logistical support. Applications are submitted online through the dedicated section of the official website. Volunteers receive prior training and official kit, and become part of an immersive experience at the heart of one of the country’s biggest sporting events.

The different race formats

The Almaty Marathon is about more than 42.195 km. The event offers several distances to suit different types of runners:

Marathon (42.195 km)
Half-marathon (21.1 km)
10K Nordic walking
Ekiden

This hugely popular event attracts runners with a wide range of goals and experience. Teams will find what they’re looking for in the Ekiden, a marathon relay. Half-marathon runners get to enjoy the atmosphere of the headline race on the same loop, completed just once.

The course: a modern city framed by mountain views

The Almaty Marathon course has a reputation for being demanding. Located at around 700–900 metres above sea level, the city offers a rolling profile with significant elevation gain, particularly in the opening section. Runners pass along Almaty’s main avenues, skirt iconic parks and enjoy open views of the Tian Shan mountains. The course alternates between fast, flowing sections and more technical stretches, making it an appealing challenge both for performance-focused athletes and runners looking to test themselves.

The Almaty Marathon brings together several thousand participants across all distances every year, making it the largest running event in Central Asia. The marathon records reflect the race’s rising competitive level, with men’s and women’s performances improving steadily from one edition to the next. The event attracts international elite athletes as well as Kazakhstan’s top runners.

The rule is simple: register early. Entry fees rise progressively, and some distances may sell out. International runners should also allow plenty of time for administrative requirements, including a visa if needed, and travel planning.

✓ Find all the entry details for the Almaty Marathon in Almaty