Issyk Kul Six-Day Challenge 2025 Results

From 5 to 10 May, the shores of Issyk Kul – the world’s second-largest mountain lake – hosted the first-ever ultramarathon: the Ultra Issyk Kul, also known as the Issyk Kul Six-Day Challenge, now recognized as The World’s Longest 6-Stage Foot Race.

The pioneers not only completed a full loop around the lake but also occasionally deviated from the main route to finish in some of the region’s most breathtaking locations, showcasing the natural beauty of the Issyk Kul area. Each of the six stages had its own name and was dedicated to a historical event or a unique local landmark:

• Stage 1: “Xuanzang Way” – from the Royal Gate glamping site on the lake’s southern shore to the Ak Bulun Peninsula. Named after the renowned 7th-century Chinese monk who journeyed along the southern coast of Issyk Kul.
• Stage 2: “Boom Wind” – from Ak Bulun to the beach at Kosh Köl. The name refers to the strong winds that regularly sweep through the Boom Gorge, often described as the gateway to Issyk Kul.
• Stage 3: “Warm Sea” – from Kosh Köl to Cholpon Ata. The name reflects both the translation of Issyk Kul (“hot lake”) and Cholpon Ata’s status as the capital of the “Issyk Kul Riviera”.
• Stage 4: “Nomad Games” – from the hippodrome built for the World Nomad Games to the village of Kuturga. The stage honors the international sporting event celebrating nomadic culture.
• Stage 5: “Seven Bulls” – from Kuturga to the famous rock formation of the same name, a notable natural landmark.
• Stage 6: “Fairy Tale” – from the village of Jeti Oguz to the eponymous canyon, whose Martian landscapes seem otherworldly.

The total distance of the Ultra Issyk Kul reached a record-breaking 463 km – a first for a six-stage race. Twelve brave runners from six countries – Germany, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Belarus, Russia and Kyrgyzstan – lined up at the start. Only six completed the gruelling course; the others were forced to withdraw due to injury.

Russian athletes dominated the race. Kirill Perminov claimed victory in four of the six stages and established a commanding lead overall, finishing the entire course in 43 hours, 39 minutes and 31 seconds – nearly an hour ahead of his closest rival – at an average pace of 5:40/km. Fellow Russians Grigoriy Zakhariya and Dmitriy Nedoshitov secured second and third places with times of 44:34:25 and 46:16:52, respectively.

Full results can be found below.