Adventure seekers celebrate the 6th annual Kazbegi Trail Marathon

Kazbegi a small mountainious town in north-eastern Georgia. Photo by N.Alavidze/Agenda.ge
Agenda.ge, 11 Sep 2015 - 08:45, Tbilisi,Georgia

Runners from around the globe united in the Great Caucasus Mountains to participate in the sixth Kazbegi Trail Marathon.

More than 250 people from 26 countries took part in this year's event on September 5, 2015, organised by tourism agency Visit Georgia.

There were four races runners could take part in; an 8km fun-run, 21km half marathon, full marathon or 42km relay race that lead runners though the alpine landscape. The half and full marathon route reached an elevation of 2,200m above sea level and gave participants the opportunity to challenge themselves while enjoying the beautiful scenery around them.

During the race they passed some of Georgia's ancient towers and churches.

Last month a CNN article named Kazbegi as "home to one of the most spectacular marathon routes”.

Participants enjoyed the opportunity to acknowledge the breathtaking view of the Caucasus Mountains while running in the race. Photo by the event's website. 

Runners were able to choose from any of these four distance categories:

  • Full marathon- 42 km;
  • Half marathon 21 km;
  • Fun run- 8km;
  • Relay Race- 42 km.

The 267 participants represented 26 different countries. Among them were successful Georgian businessmen, representatives of Embassies in Georgia, tourists and local and foreign businessmen and women.

The international atmosphere was present throughout the marathon. Photo by the Marathon's website. 

This marathon served as a charity event to help children with leukaemia, in particular the Parents House which is a centre where children from Georgian regions are treated for the oncologic disease. All proceeds from the participant entry fee will be passed on to the charity. 

Participants cheered each other on throughout the marathon. Photo by the event's website. 

The winners of the race categories are:

  • Full marathon- Piotr Sawicki (men) and Hiroko Ogawa (women);
  • Half marathon- Amazaspi Mamikoniani (m) and Sussane Schwarz (w);
  • Fun Run-Tengiz Ghvinjilia (m) and Tamar Gelashvili (w).
  • Relay Race- Collectively won by three representatives from Georgia's Ministry of Defence.

If you're interested in taking part in next year's race, you can find out more on the event's website or download the registration form here.