The first charitable «BKS Аir Astana Marathon 2015» was held in Astana. A British-Kazakh Society (BKS) traditionally acted as a host of venue. In the past years a distance was semi-marathon but this year it was decided to raise the bar and hold an original marathon with the distance of 42 km and 195 meters.  Not all sportsmen were ready for running such a long distance. Therefore, the sponsors provided for fixation of results on 4 distances – 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and 097.5 m (semi-marathon) and full marathon.

The local administration of Astana city took an active part in the running marathon’s organization. “Air Astana” Airway Company was granted a status of the “platinum” marathon sponsor as a host and official transporter of the participants. The marathon in Astana was also supported by the “golden” sponsor Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) and “silver” sponsor - KIOGE. The fitness clubs of Astana World Class and a school of Nordic walking Eurasia assisted in the preparation of the sportsmen. Marathon event was also supported by the Development bank of Kazakhstan, the companies of Samruk-Kazyna, Temyrzholenergo,  RG Brands with a trademark ASU, Confederation of combat and strength sports, Haileybury school, ELLE magazine, Rotary Club and SWEETS confectionery. Radio NE.FM became a General information sponsor.

By ultimate tradition in recent years the financial resources collected in the result of marathons are directed on realization of our fund projects. This year the financial means were allocated for the sensory room facilities in the special (correctional) boarding school for children with intellectual developmental disorders in the city of Astana. 325 children with intellectual and psychophysical developmental disorders of different severity level study in this school. Among them there are orphan children and children from socially deprived, needy families, 260 children are disabled since childhood. During the academic year a majority of children live in the boarding school. The atmosphere of sensory room can help to relieve emotional distress, mental excitation and physical exhaustion. The cost of sensory room amounts to 2 810 000 tenge.

Now it is necessary to explain how the financial means are collected during marathon. During registration each participant transfers 20 pounds or 7,500 tenge to the account of our foundation by using online method. If the possibility of online banking is not available, the participants contribute this sum to the fund-raising box in the process of receiving a number with electronic chip that allows you to record the results of each runner. The contributions of corporate runners comprise another source of charitable budget formation. A part of this money is contributed by fans who came to the running race. During the “BKS Air Astana Marathon 2015” 4 155 593 tenge was collected.

The Prime Minister Karim Massimov, city mayor Adilbek Dzhaksybekov, chairman of the Development Bank of Kazakhstan Bolat Zhamishev and many other respected representatives took part in the first marathon of Astana.  About 700 runners in total participated in this marathon. Except Kazakhstan sportsmen participants from other countries also took part in the marathon. "Air Astana" operates direct flights from Astana to London, Paris, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Omsk, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Tashkent, Bishkek, Urumqi and Beijing, along with connection flights from other countries through Almaty. Airline company offered attractive touristic packages for international runners and partners who wish to participate in the marathon. These packages involve flight, hotel accommodation, including breakfast, entry fee, transfers and sightseeing tour.

Yuri Huntsman won a status of the best marathon runner in the men's category and Hannah Walters became the best runner in the women's category. The winners received certificates and gold medals from the organizers. A platinum sponsor of the marathon - company "Air Astana" presented two tickets in any direction to each winner. The second places were given to Leong Chong Wai and Julia Asylgaraeva. World Class presented monthly club cards in a fitness club for the silver medal winners. Yakov Kozlov and Karla Omurbaeva took the third place. Gifts for bronze winners of the marathon were prepared by a confectionery Sweets - a certificate for a birthday cake. In addition, ELLE magazine has presented annual subscription for three winners of the marathon in the women's category.

The weather was very good, it was sunny and warm, and for marathon runners it is a very important success parameter in running for such a long distance. We are sure that “BKS Air Astana Marathon 2015" will gradually become as famous as Boston, Tokyo, London and New York marathons, as well as other prestigious running races on 42 kilometers and 195 meters.

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