6,000 Participants, 25 Countries and a 42.2 km Marathon: Bishkek Hosts Snow Leopard Run
The seventh Bishkek Snow Leopard Run took place on October 18 at Manas International Airport.
Around 6,000 people from more than 25 countries took part in the event.
For the first time, the race featured a full marathon distance of 42.2 km, alongside 5 km, 14 km and 21.1 km routes. The 5 km race was dedicated to the memory of Kyrgyz writer Chyngyz Aitmatov.
The oldest participant was 80-year-old Viktor Tyumentsev, who completed the 14 km distance. Employees of Bishkek City Hall and its affiliated departments also took part. All participants received commemorative medals.
Bishkek Snow Leopard Run combines sporting activities with wildlife conservation. Part of the entry fees is allocated each year to programmes protecting the snow leopard and its habitat.
The event’s marathon and half-marathon courses have been certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). In 2026, the race also joined the Turkic Alliance of Long Runs (TAN), a series bringing together running events in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
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