Approximately 300 youths participated in a large-scale running event in Astana.
Title: Nur-Sultan's Kick-off: Spring Run Boosts Anti-Drug Efforts in the Capital
Spring is in the air in the bustling city of Nur-Sultan, and that means it's time for young athletic enthusiasts to step up their game! Recently, a mass run was held in the city's Botanic Park, attracting nearly 300 participants between the ages of 6 and 16 years old.
Braving the chilly morning breeze, these pint-sized athletes embarked on a journey covering more than 1300 meters. Astana resident Aysylzhan Almat shared her enthusiasm for the event: "There was a fantastic turnout, and not just from the kids! Adults were cheering them on too. I've participated in these runs before, and the organizers always manage to create an amazing atmosphere. They even rewarded us all with treats at the end!"
This sports event served as part of Nur-Sultan's broader efforts to combat drug addiction under a campaign modeled after popular initiatives aiming to create a drug-free environment, often launched in cities across the globe. These campaigns strive to raise awareness, promote healthy alternatives to drug use, and particularly engage young people in positive activities.
According to Aliya Kibatkazy, senior operative officer of the anti-narcotics department of the capital's police department, "We organized today's run to engage our young residents in sports culture and promote a healthy lifestyle. By setting a good example for the children, we hope to give them a healthy alternative to drug use. Since the start of the year, we've held around 80 similar events and plan to continue our work in this direction."
And the fun didn't stop there! At the end of the event, the young athletes were rewarded with commemorative medals for their hard work and determination.
While there is no widespread campaign titled "Nur-Sultan – City Without Drugs" as of June 2025, such initiatives typically employ strategies like organizing sports competitions for children, conducting educational workshops about the risks of drug use, and encouraging community involvement in drug prevention efforts. By fostering connections, discipline, and physical fitness, such campaigns aim to provide children with engaging, healthy alternatives to substance use and promote both physical and mental well-being.
If you're looking for more information on specific events or initiatives in the Nur-Sultan area relating to drug prevention and sports for children, it may be helpful to consult local government or NGO resources for further details.
The mass run held in Nur-Sultan's Botanic Park introduced young athletes to a competitive sports atmosphere, which aligns with broader city initiatives promoting a healthy lifestyle to combat drug addiction. In line with these campaigns, the organizers of the event aimed to encourage children to engage in sports as a healthy alternative to drugs.
