Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The capital of Uzbekistan once again confirmed its status as the center of the major sports event of the year by hosting the VII Tashkent International Marathon, the largest running event in the region. This year, the event set a new record for participant numbers, with 11,500 athletes from 52 countries taking part.

Updated Route and Inclusive Format

The marathon runners competed in the 42.195 km, 21.0975 km, and 10 km distances along the newly updated route, which ran through the Yangi O‘zbekiston park area. The traditional 3-kilometer race for beginner runners was held in the park zone, making the event accessible to everyone interested.

Special attention was given to inclusivity: a special race for people with disabilities was included in the program, emphasizing that sport knows no boundaries.

On 12 April, the Magic City Park hosted the Kids Run (1 and 3 km) and Nordic walking competitions (3 km), which gathered hundreds of participants.

Organizers and Honorary Guests

The marathon was held with the support of:

Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan Athletics Federation

Central Asian Academy of Running and Walking

Central Asia Athletics Association

State Customs Committee

The National Olympic Committee, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Digital Technologies, Ministry of Emergency Situations, National Guard, Uzbekneftegaz, Tashkent city administration, and other agencies.

The opening ceremony was attended by:

Viktor Mahmudov, Secretary of the Security Council under the President of Uzbekistan

Zulaykho Makhkamova, Deputy Prime Minister

Otobek Umarov, First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan

Akmalkhuzha Mavlonov, Chairman of the Athletics Federation

Mansurbek Ollyoyev, Director of the National Social Protection Agency

Mukhtarkhon Tashkhodzhayev, Head of the Paralympic Committee of Uzbekistan

Viktor Mahmudov emphasized that the marathon has become a platform for the unity of professionals and amateurs, promoting a healthy lifestyle and sporting values.

International Status and Prize Fund

The event is part of the World Athletics calendar, and the course is certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The distance measurement was carried out by an "A" category expert, ensuring compliance with global standards.

The prize fund amounted to 639 million soums. Thirty-two professional athletes from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Belarus, Kenya, Russia, and Uzbekistan participated in the competition for the awards.

Innovations and Corporate Participation

This year, the age categories for prize winners were expanded:

15–34 years

35–49 years

50+ years

A total of 212 corporate teams supported the marathon, demonstrating their commitment to corporate health and team spirit.

Winners and Runners-up of the VII Tashkent International Marathon:

Men’s 3 km:

Eldor Botirov – 9:53

Dierbek Akhmedov – 9:58

Viktor Tsurenko – 10:10

Women’s 3 km:

Sabokat Samijonova – 11:46

Darya Andropova – 11:52

Munavvar Kholtoraeva – 12:28

Men’s 10 km:

Hasan Mirsoatov – 30:59 (marathon record)

Nodirbek Mutalipov – 31:15

Otobek Toshkuvatov – 31:20

Women’s 10 km:

Alina Hakimova – 37:06 (marathon record)

Azizakhon Mirzakbarova – 37:22

Marjona Akhmadalieva – 37:41

Half Marathon:

Men:

Rinas Akhmadiev – 1:03:27

Nursultan Keneshbekov – 1:04:35

Shokhrukh Davlatov – 1:05:39

Women:

Ainushka Khalil Kizi – 1:17:01

Svetlana Kudzelich – 1:20:01

Elena Tolstyh – 1:22:19

Marathon:

Men:

Vitaly Shafar – 2:18:31 (marathon record)

Vladislav Pryamov – 2:19:29

Ilya Tyapkin – 2:24:44

Women:

Ekaterina Tunguskova – 2:49:45

Evgenia Indina – 2:54:32

Gulnur Elemessova – 3:07:43

Professional Organization

The event was supported by 85 certified judges and 115 volunteers, confirming the high level of organization.

The VII Tashkent Marathon not only strengthened Uzbekistan’s position on the world sports stage but also inspired thousands of people to achieve new heights.