The international marathon-baige “Uly Dala Zhorygy” commenced on September 3.

The route runs from the Botai settlement in the Aiyrtau district of the North Kazakhstan region to Astana, covering a distance of 500 kilometres. The competition features 8 teams from foreign countries and 9 teams from Kazakhstan.

At the opening ceremony, Secretary of the Amanat party, Yerzhan Zhylkybaev, read a congratulatory letter from the Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and Chairman of the Amanat party, Yerlan Koshanov. The letter stated, “The celebration of nomadic traditions across the vast Great Steppe begins with this marathon-baige ‘Uly Dala Zhorygy.’”

Teams from South Africa, Iran, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Tatarstan, and Hungary are participating in the competition. Kazakhstan is represented by teams from the Mangystau region (two teams), Zhetysu region, Almaty city, Zhambyl, Akmola, Kostanay, East Kazakhstan, and Aktobe regions.

For the first time, two teams of girls from Kazakhstan are competing in this event: the “Suyn” team from the Mangystau region and the “Tomiris” team from the Akmola region. The girls from the Akmola region already have experience participating in the republican marathon-baige.

The organisers of the international marathon-baige “Uly Dala Zhorygy” have placed special emphasis on Kazakh horse breeds. Competing in the event are the Adai, Naiman, Koshim, Aulie-Ata, Kostanai, and Zhetysu breeds.

In his speech, President of the National Sports Association Islambek Salzhanov highlighted the significance of the marathon-baige starting from Botai, which is considered the cradle of civilization. “Botai is the place where the horse was first domesticated, making this historical site important for all participants,” he said.

The international marathon-baige “Uly Dala Zhorygy” marks the beginning of the 5th World Nomad Games, which will be held in Astana. The Republican Equestrian Federation “JORYQ” is part of the Association of National Sports of Kazakhstan. The Association also includes the federations of “Kokpar,” “Baige,” “Traditional Archery,” “Tenge Ilu,” “Audaryspak,” “Zhamby Atu,” “Kusbegilik,” “Asyk Atu,” and others.

The 5th World Nomad Games will take place in Astana from September 8-13, featuring over 2,000 athletes from 89 countries. The general sponsor of the Games is ALAGEUM ELECTRIC, and the main partner is Halyk Bank. During the World Nomad Games in Astana, 97 sets of medals will be awarded in 21 sports.