Irbis Race, the highest mountain marathon in Central Asia.
Irbis Race, the highest mountain marathon in Central Asia.
The favorite family Oi-Qaragai Resort has become a venue of the major sports events. The Irbis Race is another marathon race of an international level that has taken place on our mountainsides. It is the highest mountain race in Central Asia. Over 500 persons from 15 countries of the world participated in the event! The Irbis Race is a competition of the bravest and most professional athletes competing in speed and stamina. Participants are to run 42 kilometers along the mountain paths with a climb of over 3,700 meters above sea level. The Race attracts world-class sportsmen, as it is accredited by the International Skyrunning Federation. This enables the sportsmen to have the points earned for the race added to their international ratings. To run such a distance, participants need to qualify – either by running an asphalt marathon for 3 hours and 25 minutes or a 100-kilometers ultramarathon for less than 6 hours. In addition, there are some easier distances that can be run at the Oi-Qaragai during the Irbis Race. They are 21 and 17 kilometers long. Irrespective of their distances, all the participants start running up the slopes of the Resort’s mountains. This year, the Oi-Qaragai distance was launched for the first time. Over 30 youngest guests, children aged 12 to 18, ran this distance. The start was given at the Ride School ground. The participants finished at the highest altitude of the Resort — 1,820 meters — which offers a wonderful view of the mountains and the city.
The Irbis Race at Oi-Qaragai does not only raise the status of the unique Resort, but also brings inspiration and gives every guest and resident of the Southern Capital City an opportunity to conquer new heights. The Race that attracted sportsmen from all over the world reminds that the beauty of the nature and excitement of the competition can be in perfect harmony!
With each race and each new participant, the Oi-Qaragai continues to write its own history as a place where sports, nature and adventures merge into an unbelievable symphonic orchestration.
