calendar_today 02 May, 2026 – 03 May, 2026
directions_run Running
language Official Website
sell $40.00 – $115.00
The Tengri Ultra 2026 is the premier trail ultramarathon in Kazakhstan, held in the breathtaking Ili River Valley. Scheduled for May 1–3, 2026, this multi-day adventure is organized by "Extremal Athletics" and serves as a major hub for endurance sports in Central Asia. The event is famous for its semi-desert landscape, ancient rock carvings (Tamgaly-Tas), and the vast, open steppes that challenge runners with both technical terrain and exposure to the elements.
Race Disciplines and DistancesTengri Ultra is a multi-disciplinary festival, offering a wide array of distances to accommodate everyone from elite ultrarunners to families and pet owners. The 2026 edition features trail running, mountain biking, and canicross (running with dogs).
| Discipline | Available Distances |
|---|---|
| Trail Running | 1, 3, 7, 25, 50, 100, and 150 km |
| Mountain Biking (MTB) | 37, 75, and 150 km |
| Canicross | Specific distance (refer to guidelines) |
The Ili River Valley is located in the Almaty Region, with the closest major hubs being Almaty and Konaev (formerly Kapchagay). Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city and financial center, with a population of approximately 2.1 million residents. The region is a melting pot of cultures, featuring a demographic profile that is roughly 60% Kazakh, 23% Russian, and 17% other ethnic groups. The median household income in Almaty is significantly higher than the national average, at approximately 300,000–350,000 KZT per month.
The local culture is deeply rooted in the nomadic heritage of the Great Steppe, which "Tengri Ultra" honors through its name—Tengri being the ancient sky deity of Central Asian Turkic and Mongolic peoples. The Ili River area is a historical crossroads of the Silk Road, and the race course often passes through areas with significant archaeological value. This connection to the land and ancestral history is a core part of the event's identity, fostering a spirit of "wild" endurance and respect for nature. The event center typically becomes a massive "tent city," creating a temporary community of thousands who embrace the nomadic lifestyle for a weekend.
Logistics and Participant SafetyDue to the remote and harsh nature of the Ili River Valley, organizers place a heavy emphasis on mandatory equipment and self-sufficiency. Participants must provide a signed waiver to receive their starter numbers, and the list of required gear (such as hydration systems, emergency blankets, and whistles) is strictly enforced. To facilitate the event, the organizers provide transfer services from Almaty and designated camping zones at the start/finish area.
The social impact of Tengri Ultra is felt across the regional tourism sector, as it draws athletes from dozens of countries to the Kazakh steppes. By promoting the Ili River Valley as a world-class destination for trail running and cycling, "Extremal Athletics" contributes to the diversification of Kazakhstan's economy through sustainable sports tourism. On May 2nd, the heart of the competition will see runners on the 100km and 150km tracks navigating the silent, sun-drenched valleys, embodying the "indomitable" spirit of the steppe.
May 02, 2026
Distance — 150K
Type — Running
05:00
$115.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 100K
Type — Running
05:00
$95.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 150K
Type — Running
06:00
$95.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 75K
Type — Running
06:30
$75.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 37K
Type — Running
06:45
$50.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 7.4K
Type — Running
17:00
$40.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 7.4K
Type — Running
17:10
$40.00
May 03, 2026
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
05:00
$75.00
May 03, 2026
Distance — 25K
Type — Running
06:00
$50.00
May 03, 2026
Distance — 25K
Type — Running
06:10
$50.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Baqanas.
Learn more about the host city, Baqanas.
Baqanas is a village in Almaty Region of south-eastern Kazakhstan.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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