PikeMan and Aqbura Bay Trail-2 competitions held in Burabai National Park

PikeMan and Aqbura Bay Trail-2 competitions held in Burabai National Park

Sports events of international scale were held in the Burabai National Park. Representatives of 12 countries took part in open water swimming and trail running events during two days, on July 30 and 31. The swimming race on the lake was organized both for beginners and children, and for experienced swimmers. The first swam one kilometer, while the distance for the latter was four times more.

“I really like this swimming race, because the water is very comfortable here, the lake is so clean. This is actually my first visit to Kazakhstan. So, it was nice to combine a trip and a sporting event,” said Anastassiya Tukmachyova, a sports blogger.

The Aqbura Bay Trail-2 route, which is included in the register of the International Cross Country Racing Association, was also held with two distances of 12 and 35 kilometers. About 700 runners took the start.

“I've been running asphalt marathons for quite a while, but having learned about the trail to take place in such a resort place as Burabai, I immediately decided to participate in it. So I gathered all those I could, and although it was not easy to get to the place, we did it and participated in this event with great joy. We were all very excited,” opined Yuliya Fernas, a participant of race.

According to representatives of the Kazakh Tourism National Company, such international events are an excellent opportunity to promote the country and its image.

“This event has attracted great interest from international participants. Some stages of the competition were held in the most beautiful places in the country. By doing that, we attract tourists and also promote our destinations,” said Daniyel Serzhanuly, Managing Director of the Kazakh Tourism National Company JSC.

“This time we received great support from various companies such as Kazakh Tourism and QazaqGeography. We promote the importance of not littering the environment. Another nice thing about this event is that it was held in such a beautiful and cozy area as the Burabai National Park,” shared Pavel Tentzer, an event organizer.

It’s worth noting that in total, over a thousand people took part in these sporting events.