Ala-Too Square has turned into a vibrant celebration of sport, community, and conservation as the sixth edition of the Bishkek Snow Leopard Run brought together nearly 5,000 participants for Kyrgyzstan’s flagship marathon event.
Among the runners were 500 children aged 3 to 13, reflecting the event’s commitment to inclusivity and family-friendly participation, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.
Running for a Cause: Conservation at the Core
Opening the event, Bishkek Mayor Aibek Dzhunushaliev emphasized that every step taken in the marathon symbolized support for environmental protection, particularly the conservation of the endangered snow leopard. He reiterated the city’s dedication to promoting sports, sustainability, and healthy living for all citizens.
The course took participants through some of Bishkek’s most iconic routes, including Chui Avenue, Abdrakhmanov Street, the All-Russian Exhibition Centre complex, and Aitmatov Avenue. Race categories included 5 km, 14 km, and a 21.1 km half marathon, while children competed in Kid’s Runs ranging from 100 meters to 1 km.
A Global Sporting Gathering
This year’s marathon saw runners from 24 countries, making it a truly international event. Participants included athletes from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Germany, the United Kingdom, the US, Türkiye, and more.
City Hall reported the following participation breakdown:
672 international runners
1,245 participants from Kyrgyz regions
2,865 Bishkek residents
The marathon welcomed professional athletes, amateurs, people with disabilities, and children with special needs, underlining the event’s spirit of inclusivity.
Celebration, Community, and Conservation
Beyond the race, the event featured photo zones, food courts, and a prize drawing, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for runners and spectators alike. All finishers received commemorative medals, and top performers were awarded prizes by event sponsors.
As part of the marathon's conservation mission, a portion of registration fees was donated to initiatives protecting the snow leopard and its natural habitat, reinforcing the event’s social and environmental impact.
Now Part of the International Running Calendar
In January 2025, the Bishkek Snow Leopard Run became a member of the Turkic Alliance of Long Runs (TAN) and earned certification from the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). This accreditation officially placed the event on the international half-marathon circuit, boosting its global appeal and prestige.
More Than a Race
With its growing international profile and strong conservation message, the Bishkek Snow Leopard Run is quickly becoming more than just a race. It stands as a symbol of ecological responsibility, inclusivity, and unity through sport, reflecting the best of what Kyrgyzstan has to offer the global community.
