Kazakhstani Athletes Share Insights on Their Motivation to Sprint
VIBRANT RUNNING CULTURE IN ASTANA
Astana's June 1st Half Marathon was more than just a race; it celebrated the spirit of thousands of runners from 38 countries. Delve into the personal narratives of these runners as we explore how running has evolved from a mere fitness pursuit into a transformative, life-altering experience in Kazakhstan.
ENHANCING IDENTITY AND PURPOSE
Timur Abilov, the director of Nomad TriClub in Astana, views running as a tool for building identity and purpose. His journey into triathlon in 2019 was a turning point that led him to leave his monotonous job, reinvent his life around sport, and involve his sons in youth triathlons.
"I discovered running as an integral part of my triathlon journey. It's an excellent way to cultivate physical fitness, endurance, and character," shares Timur, who has yet to complete an official marathon but has clocked the distance during Ironman competitions.
This sport-focused community, founded in 2019, originally sprung from a large-scale training initiative congregating up to 90 participants. By 2020, it had transformed into a semi-professional collective of around 25 athletes who embrace sport as a lifestyle, rather than a temporary quest.
Nomad TriClub also nurtures the future generation through social projects they fund, bolstering young athletes who are already showing impressive results in local competitions. Club members routinely compete in races across Kazakhstan and abroad, bagging top finishes and making headway in major marathons.
A RE Format Change
The nomadic nature of the competition reflects its participants' drive - every individual at Nomad TriClub receives tailored training, with just 20-25 members ensuring coaches can focus on each participant. The focus is not on strict demands, but mutual support and a thriving community spirit.
Popular run routes among members include: Central Park, the Botanical Garden, Triathlon Park, a riverside route near the Akorda residence, and the Kosshy-Urker bike path. Extended training sessions are often accompanied by friends on bicycles, offering water and sustenance along the way.
RUNNING AS A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY
Alexandr Klokov, an avid amateur runner, took to the sport in 2017 following the EXPO event in Astana. While running wasn't a primary interest initially, it worked wonders for Klokov — it helped him kick his smoking and alcohol habits and adopt a more disciplined lifestyle.
Today, Klokov runs every day, making his commute a run, regardless of the weather. He is an active member of the DieHard Running community, enjoying weekly 20-25 kilometer runs from the Akorda to Turan avenue. Among his favorite formats is commute running, with a tradition of running his age in kilometers on his birthday.
"Favorite running routes? Honestly, it doesn't matter much to me. I often take to the streets and just run using the city as my playground. I appreciate longer runs along the embankment, as it spans the entire length of the city, and central park for its tranquil vibe, even during strong winds or sweltering summer heat," says Klokov, who plans to participate in a 10-kilometer race in Oskemen, Eastern Kazakhstan, in the near future.
BEYOND MEDALS
Beyond finding health and discipline, running has brought Alexandr friends, a life partner, and even creative inspiration. Interestingly, one of his songs was born during one of his runs. Despite elevating costs and limited government support for amateur sports, Alexandr continues to run, stating, "I run not for medals, but for myself."
A SEAMLESS RUNNING COMMUNITY
Liliya Bakhtybaeva, an Astana resident, believes there's no gender bias in the running community. "I've never encountered any gender prejudices, whether in the running community or among Astana runners. Overall, runners - both male and female - are supportive," she noted.
Liliya took up running approximately three years ago, driven by the desire for proper technique, breathing, and foot placement. After spotting an Instagram post advertising a beginner's running group, Liliya joined, eventually moving on to a running club that introduced her to proper training and race preparation.
"My results and progress, thanks to my coach and consistent training, along with the supportive running community, truly motivated me," she says.
From the Yessil River embankment to the stunning landscapes of Burabai, Liliya's running adventures are a testament to her love for the sport and the community that supports her along the way.
Timur Abilov, the director of Nomad TriClub, views running as a tool for building identity and purpose, integrating it into his life after a turning point that led him to leave his monotonous job and involve his sons in youth triathlons.
Alexandr Klokov, an avid amateur runner, took up the sport as a means to kick his smoking and alcohol habits and adopt a more disciplined lifestyle, finding not only health but also friends, a life partner, and even creative inspiration through running.
