SCO International Marathon to start on May 15 in Issyk-Kul

Bishkek, Feb. 16, 2021 / Kabar /. The 9th International Issyk-Kul Marathon of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) "Run the Silk Road" will start on May 15 in Cholpon-Ata town, Issyk-Kul Oblast. Kyrgyzstan’s State Agency for Physical Culture and Sport reported that the international marathon is aimed at strengthening of integration of the SCO member states, development of domestic and foreign event tourism, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle among the population. Leading athletes from the SCO member states and members of the Kyrgyz Republic track and field team will participate in the marathon. The race will start on May 15 at 8:00 a.m. from the hippodrome of Cholpon-Ata. The program includes races for different distances: 42 km 195 m marathon, half marathon on 21 km 97 m, 10 km, 3 km, Nordic walking - 3 km. The route of the official competitions at all distances are certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) by the rules of WorldAthletics. Since 2021, the fulfillment of the standards at the International Issyk-Kul Marathon SCO allows athletes to obtain licenses for the Olympic Games, World Championships and Asian Games. The 9th International Issyk-Kul Marathon, planned according to the Calendar Plan by the Physical Culture Agency for May 2, 2020, was postponed to 2021 due to the situation with coronavirus.