Samarkand Marathon 2025
See more about the offersSamarkand Marathon
- Next eventย :ย Early November 2025
- Last eventย :ย Sun, November 3, 2024
The event in a few words
Have you never run abroad yet? It's time! Today, the Finishers team is taking you far, very far! ๐ง Beyond the Black Sea and Georgia, south of Russia, lies Uzbekistan, a mythical country, once on the Silk Road between the Mediterranean and China ๐. For French travelers, this is still a unique destination, and even more so for runners ๐๐ผโโ๏ธ. South of the country and the beautiful capital city Tashkent, which you'll likely visit upon your arrival, an exciting race takes place annually in the city of Samarkand, a true global city ๐. This city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and, while it may not be well-known in our region, it holds a remarkable significance in Central Asia โจ.
Three road race courses of 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km are offered during the Samarkand Marathon, perhaps the farthest race you've ever run ๐ฅณ. The events, suitable for para-athletes ๐งโ๐ฆฝ, take place in the city where Alexander the Great once stayed ๐. Expect a high level of competition in this marathon, both athletically and festively! ๐ While you're not required to run in costume ๐ฆธโโ๏ธ, tradition says you should ๐ and many runners add even more color to an already vibrant race featuring diverse cultures. Numerous concerts are planned throughout the event, which offers exciting night races ๐. The idea of running at night in this historic city, under the minarets, has a certain charm, doesn't it? ๐ Like Napoleon, you can tell your fellow runners, "From the top of these monuments, centuries of history look down upon you" ๐. If you have the time, because itโs going to be a fast-paced race on Uzbek asphalt ๐จ.
When we talk about crossroads cities like Istanbul, Samarkand definitely qualifies. This ancient city is considered by historians to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia ๐จโ๐ฆณ. Its openness to the world has made Samarkand a multicultural city where many religions coexist. The Silk Road passed right through Samarkand, underlining the city's wealth in historic monuments ๐ฝ. Noteworthy sites include the Registan, a square surrounded by three mosaic-covered madrasas from the 15th and 17th centuries.
Let's start the adventure! ๐
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
- MarathonTOP
- Half Marathon
- 10โkm
- Kids
- Early November 2025
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Find all the information you need to plan your trip to Uzbekistan by clicking on this link ๐โ
- For the 42 km race: 150,000 soums
- For the 21 km race: 150,000 soums
- For the 10 km race: 150,000 soums
- For the 2 km race: 100,000 soums
- For the 5 km Nordic Walk: 100,000 soums
- For the Kids Run: 100,000 soums
All funds raised will be donated to the charity selected by the Samarkand Marathon, which supports museum adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. You can register until October 31st.
A "participant starter pack" is offered to all registrants. It includes:
- A long-sleeve T-shirt
- A bag
- A race bib with an individual timing chip
Additionally, every finisher will receive a medal, and participants can enjoy various activities.
You can collect your "participant starter pack" in Tashkent or Samarkand, near Registan Square.
The first start will begin at 8 AM. You should then position yourself in the starting corral that corresponds to your race distance. The starts for the different races will be staggered with short intervals in between.
The race starts are located near the famous Registan Square in Samarkand.
There will be refreshment stations along the routes. Both solid and liquid refreshments will be available every 3.5 km.
For the 42 km, 21 km, and 10 km races: 16 years and older
For the 2 km race: 13 years and older
For the 5 km Nordic Walk: 13 years and older
For the Kids Run: 4 years and older
- For the 42 km race: 6 hours
- For the 21 km race: 3 hours
- For the 10 km race: 90 minutes
- For the 2 km race: 20 minutes
- For the 5 km Nordic Walk: 60 minutes
Here are the prizes awarded to the winners:
For the 42 km race (men and women):
- First place: 16,000,000 soums
- Second place: 15,000,000 soums
- Third place: 14,000,000 soums
For the 21 km race (men and women):
- First place: 12,000,000 soums
- Second place: 10,000,000 soums
- Third place: 8,000,000 soums
Winners of the other distances will receive prizes from the event sponsors (you can find the detailed ranking information here). The overall male and female winners of the marathon will also receive a special prize: an entry to the Dubai Marathon.
It is generally quite cool in Samarkand at this time of year, so dress warmly!
Do you have more questions? You can contact the organizers at the following email address: marathon@acdf.uz
Yes, participants aged 12 to 17 must present parental consent for the 2 km race.
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