The Second International RWS RUN Half Marathon Will Take Place in Ekibastuz

Just a few years ago, the idea of holding an international half marathon in industrial Ekibastuz seemed almost impossible. Today, however, the project has already been recognized as the best and awarded the Grand Prix at the Capital Health Forum. For the second year in a row, the city will become a center of attraction for running enthusiasts and mass sports participants.

On June 6-7, Ekibastuz will host the Ekibastuz Half Marathon, which in a short period of time has become one of the country's most talked-about regional sporting events. As a reminder, last year the course received official certification from the International Association of Marathons and Distance Races (IAAF/AIMS).

This year, the organizers intend to make the project even more family-oriented and accessible to a wider audience. For the first time, the program will include a children's race, while the start area will become a full-fledged festival space for residents and visitors of Ekibastuz.

The organizers paid particular attention to ensuring that the half marathon would not be perceived as a “one-off corporate event.” Volunteers, local businesses, sports clubs, medical professionals, police officers and dozens of residents are involved in the preparations. Free training sessions are held in the city ahead of the race. The project has quickly moved beyond the boundaries of a sporting event and evolved into a social initiative reflecting how the city's way of life is changing.

“RWS RUN is becoming a wonderful tradition for Ekibastuz. The half marathon brings people together, creates a special atmosphere in the city and attracts visitors from across Kazakhstan. It is also important to us that the event contributes not only to the development of sport but to the development of the city as a whole. During the race, activity among small and medium-sized businesses increases. They are not only directly involved in organizing the event, but visiting participants also use the services of local businesses,” said Roman Pavlinger, CEO of Railways Systems KZ Holding.

The first race, held in June 2025, came as a genuine surprise even to the professional sports community. More than 1,300 participants from Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, the United States and Chile came to the city. For Ekibastuz, it was more than just a competition; it was an event that literally changed the way residents viewed their own city.

The half marathon became the first internationally certified race in the history of Ekibastuz to meet AIMS/IAAF standards. Participants' results received official status and could be used to register for international marathons. However, the most important outcome was not the numbers or certificates, but the realization that the city is capable of hosting large-scale events that are modern, safe and truly vibrant.

Initiatives like this can make smaller cities attractive destinations for sports tourism. Similar examples already exist both internationally and in Kazakhstan. Thanks to the Zerenda Half Marathon, Zerenda has become one of the country's recognizable running destinations, attracting participants from different regions and abroad every year. In many countries, smaller cities host some of the most atmospheric and fastest-growing races. Specialized running publications regularly include local half marathons among the most popular races thanks to strong community involvement and their unique atmosphere. RWS KZ Holding believes that Ekibastuz is now following this very path.

For the city itself, RWS RUN has already become much more than just a half marathon. It is a story of how an industrial center can gradually transform into a modern environment for active living, sport and community initiatives.

RWS RUN is held with the support of the Astana Triathlon Federation and in accordance with international AIMS/IAAF standards.

Participant registration is open until May 31, 2026, at the following link: https://rwsrun.kz/ru/events/ekibastuz_half_marathon_2026/reg/