Kazbegi Marathon charity race: Local, foreign runners support Georgian children

The Kazbegi Marathon routes guided its participants through the mountainous landscape of the Kazbegi Municipality. Photo from Kazbegi Marathon.

Agenda.ge, 06 Sep 2016 - 17:21, Tbilisi,Georgia

Hundreds of people ran through the picturesque mountains near Georgia's northern border last Sunday in a charity fun run that raised money for Georgian children in need.

This year 456 runners from 34 countries gathered in Stepantsminda, in Kazebgi Municipality to take part in the seventh annual Kazbegi Marathon on Sunday, September 4.

The race in Kazbegi, located 130km north of capital Tbilisi, offered three three routes for participants: 8km run, 21km half marathon and full 42km run, as well as a relay option and kids fun run.

The various routes took runners past popular tourist spots including Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on 2170m on top of a hill, looking over Gergeti village.

More than 450 people ran in the weekend charity run. Photo from Kazbegi Marathon.

The race offered five categories that ranged in distance and difficulty:

8km fun run
21km half marathon
42km full marathon
42km relay race
400m kids run

The tracks also took runners through local villages against the backdrop of the Greater Caucasus mountain range.

Runners enjoy the 2016 Kazbegi Marathon. Photo from Kazbegi Marathon.

People from all over the world from all walks of life took part in the annual race, including diplomatic corps, visiting tourists, Georgian entrepreneurs as well as teams from local companies and organisations.

Organisers VisitGeorgia said the five category winners were local and foreign participants. Those who finished in the top three in each race received special prizes. In addition, all finishing runners received participation medals.

Podium finishers from men and women were awarded special prizes by marathon organisers. Photo from Kazbegi Marathon.

Proceeds from the charity event were donated to Parents' House, a Tbilisi-based home that provides long term onco-hematological treatment to patients across Georgia.

Reflecting the cause, the 2016 marathon had the slogan Children's Leukaemia is Curable.

The first the Kazbegi Marathon took place in 2010 but the event adopted its charity focus in 2013.

More details on the annual run can be found here.