Kyrgyzstan Gears Up for Inaugural Ultramarathon Around Lake Issyk-Kul

Kyrgyzstan will host its first-ever ultramarathon around Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the world's largest high-altitude lakes, from May 5 to 10. Titled the 1st Issyk-Kul Six-Day Challenge, the event is promoted as the world's longest six-stage foot race, spanning 460 kilometers, The Caspian Post informs via The Times of Central Asia.

The ultramarathon will take place over six days and six grueling stages: 90 km, 74 km, 87 km, 85 km, 79 km, and 45 km. Participants will race on a mix of asphalt, gravel roads, and dirt trails at elevations reaching up to 2,000 meters above sea level. Participation is capped at 100 runners.

The racecourse has been carefully planned not only to circumnavigate the entire lake but also to showcase some of Kyrgyzstan’s most dramatic landscapes, including the otherworldly Fairy Tale Canyon and the striking rock formations of the Seven Bulls.

“Issyk-Kul has been a place of power for many great marathoners, including Olympic champion Valentina Egorova and Olympic bronze medalist Satymkul Dzhumanazarov,” said Alex Golowin, Race Director and Head Coach at Running Expert. “We at Running Expert have been coming here for years to train for both marathons and ultras. The working altitude, mild weather, food familiar to Europeans, and the stunning nature make training here not only effective but also inspiring.”

Organizers hope the event will help establish Kyrgyzstan as an emerging destination for sports tourism, drawing endurance athletes from around the world to the heart of Central Asia.