For the second consecutive year, Oskemen hosted a major sporting event — the international KAZ MINERALS HALF MARATHON. This year, 1,400 participants took to the starting line, almost doubling last year's numbers.
The majority of the runners were residents of Oskemen. However, athletes from major Kazakhstani cities such as Astana, Almaty, Semey, and Pavlodar set a high pace for the competition. The marathon also brought together runners from 11 countries, including South Africa, Peru, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Israel, France, and the USA.
The race route ran along the Irtysh River, allowing participants not only to compete but also to enjoy the scenic views of the city.
A key feature of this year's marathon was the international certification of its routes. Two city tracks — 7 and 10 kilometers long — passed certification and received the prestigious IMC certificate. This grants athletes the right to automatically qualify for international competitions of a similar level.
The total prize fund of the competition amounted to 7.5 million tenge, making it one of the largest in Kazakhstan. Men and women competed and were awarded separately. Additionally, special prizes were awarded based on age categories.
The cash prizes for the absolute winners were distributed as follows:
5 km distance: 150,000 KZT;
10 km distance: 300,000 KZT;
Half marathon: 500,000 KZT.
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Photo: Altainews.kz
