Almaty Marathon

Location: Almaty
Country: Kazakhstan
Website: https://almaty-marathon.kz/ru/
2025 Marathon Date: 28/09/25
2026 Marathon Date: TBC
Winning Time 2025: 02:19:36
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 10–49
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Almaty Marathon is Central Asia’s largest road race, staged in Kazakhstan’s biggest city at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. It has grown into a landmark sporting event for the region, attracting both domestic athletes and a growing number of international visitors.

The course is run on paved city roads, beginning and ending in central Almaty. While the route is relatively flat by mountain standards, its elevation — over 700 metres above sea level — and long straight sections require measured pacing. For sub-3 athletes, the challenge lies in combining rhythm with composure, particularly under the often dry and sunny conditions that can make hydration management critical.

Crowd support is strongest in the central districts, with a festival-like atmosphere at the start and finish. Organisation is professional, with well-spaced aid stations and road closures that provide a clear, uninterrupted course. The field is compact, meaning pacing groups are smaller than in major international races, so athletes often need to commit to running their own plan.

For sub-3 runners, the Almaty Marathon is more than a time trial: it is a test of focus and resilience in a distinctive environment. Those who respect the altitude, conditions and relative solitude of the race can still execute a controlled performance, making it an important and growing fixture on the global marathon map.