Samarkand Marathon 2025

One of the Region’s Most Scenic Races Hosts 9,000 Runners, Serving as the Decisive Stage for 22 TAN Series Athletes

SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan — On November 9, 2025, ancient Samarkand reaffirmed its status as the Pearl of the East. The Samarkand Marathon is not merely a sporting competition but a unique cultural experience, allowing participants to touch the great heritage of the Silk Road.

This year, the event reached a truly grand scale: nearly 9,000 people took to the starting line. Traditionally, the race enjoys immense popularity among runners from Russia and CIS countries, drawn by the blend of local color, hospitality, and ideal autumn weather.

A Decisive Stage for the TAN Series

Special attention was focused on the participants of the Turkic Alliance of Long Runs (TAN). Eighty-four Alliance marathoners, continuing their journey through the Turkic world, took to the start in Samarkand.

For many of them, this race marked the culmination of the season. Twenty-two athletes officially completed the full 2025 TAN Series right here in Samarkand. These athletes successfully navigated the necessary stages across different Alliance countries and will now receive the unique series finisher medal—a symbol of the resilience and unity of Turkic peoples.

A Route Through Eternity

The start-finish village was located in the very heart of the city—next to the majestic Registan Square. Athletes were welcomed by the ensemble of three legendary madrasahs: Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori.

The course—featuring distances of 42.2 km, 21.1 km, 10 km, 5 km, 2 km, and Nordic walking—wound through the streets of the Old City. Participants ran against a backdrop of ancient mosques, turquoise domes, and historical monuments, turning the competition into a breathtaking sightseeing tour on the run.

Running with Purpose

The Samarkand Marathon maintains its vital charitable mission. All funds raised during the 2025 event will be directed toward creating an inclusive environment in cultural facilities. The goal is to purchase special equipment to adapt museums for visually impaired and blind visitors, making art and history accessible to everyone.

The TAN Alliance is proud of its athletes' achievements and congratulates the 22 series finishers on successfully completing this grand sporting journey!