Turkistan Marathon

Түркістан марафону

View on map
Sports & AdventureTurkistan
Dates25 October 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceUnlike the larger, mountain-backed Almaty
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: KZT
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Turkistan Marathon in Turkistan

An AIMS-certified marathon through the ancient pilgrimage city of Turkistan, finishing near the turquoise-domed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Distances range from a kids' 3K to a full 42.2K marathon on a mostly flat course, drawing thousands of international runners each year to southern Kazakhstan.

Turkistan's flat, sun-baked streets turn into a race course once a year, looping runners past the turquoise-domed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a 14th-century shrine so revered across Central Asia that pilgrims call the city a second Mecca.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Unlike the larger, mountain-backed Almaty Marathon, this race trades alpine scenery for deep history, finishing runners within view of one of Central Asia's most sacred Islamic shrines

02

The mystery stays covered

Its near-flat profile (about 70 meters of gain) makes it attractive to runners chasing personal bests, while the setting gives it a pilgrimage-tourism dimension that most marathons in the region cannot match

03

The city starts moving

It functions as Turkistan's main annual sports tourism draw

04

The water draws everyone in

AIMS certification also places it in a small tier of Central Asian races whose finishing times count toward international qualifying standards, giving it a competitive credibility that purely scenic city fun runs elsewhere in the region typically lack

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The race deliberately routes past the Yasawi mausoleum rather than avoiding the historic core

Water and renewal

Living ritual

tying the modern sporting event to Turkistan's identity as a pilgrimage city

The sacred route

Living ritual

Finish-line customs include folk music performances

The local code

Living ritual

distribution of traditional snacks

Tradition 5

Living ritual

and community involvement from local schools and cultural groups

Tradition 6

Living ritual

echoing the city's broader role in Kazakhstan's religious tourism

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

25 October 2026

Getting around

Base the route around Turkistan, then leave extra time for temporary streets, queues or late return traffic.

What to wear

Light, breathable running gear suited to a mild autumn morning that can warm up quickly once the sun is up; layers help since early starts can be cool. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses...

Safety

For Turkistan Marathon, choose safe viewing points, watch weather and leave extra time around starts, finishes or releases.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Turkistan you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

KZT

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map43.29 N, 68.26 EOpen in Google Maps

Turkistan, Turkistan Region, Kazakhstan

Nearest airportHSA — Hazrat Sultan
TransportBase the route around Turkistan, then leave extra time for temporary streets, queues or late return traffic.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Turkistan you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Turkistan via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Turkistan, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearLight, breathable running gear suited to a mild autumn morning that can warm up quickly once the sun is up; layers help since early starts can be cool. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) is worth packing given the open, largely shadeless course. Comfortable, broken-in running shoes are essential given the road surface.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Kazakhstan and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Turkistan Marathon?

Turkistan Marathon is listed for 25 October 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Turkistan Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Turkistan, Kazakhstan. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Turkistan, Turkistan Region, Kazakhstan

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLalmaty-marathon.kz
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates25 October 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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