First ever ultra

Issyk Kul Six-Day
Challenge

The world’s longest 6-stage foot race

6 days

460 km

May 2024

on these days, accommodation and meals are included in the All-Inclusive Package

RACE DETAILS

start

Baktuu-Dolonotu,
Issyk Kul Region, Kyrgyzstan

Altitude

1,600-2,000 m above sea level

Field Limit

100 runners only

Stages

90 km, 74 km, 87 km, 85 km, 79 km, 45 km; total gain & loss of 6.3 km

Path

Asphalt, gravel & a few dirt trails

DESCRIPTION

Mainly a road race around the world’s second largest mountain lake. Six stages with a total length of almost two Spartathlons. Time limits: 12 hours for Stages 1 to 5 and 6 hours for Stage 6. There are aid stations at each stage for every ~20 km

Stage start

Aid stations

All the information above is preliminary, and more details will be provided in the Rules and the Road Book the participants will receive before the race

Rise to a Whole New Level

Have you already reached the finish line at Marathon des Sables, Spartathlon, and maybe even Badwater, and are curious about what’s next? Here you are: 460 km in 6 days at altitudes up to 2,000 m – an unprecedented challenge for your physical and psychological capabilities, the world’s longest 6-stage foot race.

Stunning views of the Tien Shan nature and the track around the mysterious lake still unknown to the running world are included as a bonus. Since the number of participants in the 1st Issyk Kul Six-Day Challenge is strictly limited, hurry up to become one of only 100 pioneers and have your name inked in history!

Such a beautiful and friendly place

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most beautiful countries in Central Asia, and Issyk Kul Lake is the central gem in the crown of local attractions. The route of the ultramarathon is laid out so as not only to run around the entire lake but to also admire the Martian beauty of Fairy Tale Canyon and Seven Bulls Rocks.

Issyk Kul is the second largest mountain lake in the world

The southern coast of Issyk Kul is replete with literally Martian landscapes...

...and the whole lake is surrounded by a circle of snowy peaks of the Tien Shan

Race start and finish at the hippodrome built for the World Nomad Games

The participants of “Ultra Issyk Kul” will enjoy their rest not only in hotels but in real yurts, too

Issyk Kul Six-Day Challenge: the world’s longest 6-stage foot race!

Do not have a Coach?

Are you excited but not sure that you can handle such a challenge on your own without personalized coaching? Issyk Kul Six-Day Challenge is organized under the auspices of Running Expert, a coaching service with experience in successfully preparing for the most difficult ultras in the world, from Spartathlon to Badwater.

Run with us, be ultra!

THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGE

“

Issyk Kul has been a place of power for many great marathoners, including Olympic champion Valentina Egorova and Olympic bronze medalist Satymkul Dzhumanazarov, and we at Running Expert have been coming here for years to train for both marathons and ultras. “Working” altitude, mild weather, food familiar to the Europeans, and fantastic nature – all these make training here not only efficient but also inspiring. And we have always wondered: is it possible to run around the whole lake? As a result, my athletes are finally equal to such a challenge. I hope your heart is also brave enough to start in The World’s Longest 6-stage Foot Race.

Alex Golowin

Ultra Issyk Kul Race Director
Running Expert Head Coach

CONDITIONS

Entry fee

The participant receives:

Registration closes on March 31, 2024, or when the 100-participant limit is reached.

See more information at Race Info

$890

before September 1, 2023

$990

before January 1, 2023

$1,290

before April 1, 2024

All-Inclusive Package

Package includes:

Ultra Issyk Kul is too tough a challenge to concern yourself with anything other than running. Take advantage of this “Fly & Forget” package and focus strictly on your performance!

Early booking price

$4,490

before September 1, 2023

40 packages only!