In honor of ENU’s 30th anniversary, a trail running "Qaton-Qaragai Trail – 2026" was held

“The Qaton-Qaragai Trail – 2026” trail running took place for the third time in the Katon-Karagai district of the East Kazakhstan region. The event was organized by the Sociology Department of The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, the Akimat of the Katon-Karagai district and the Republican Public Association "Yel Sport".

The sports competition dedicated to ENU’s 30th anniversary gathered more than 100 participants from different regions of Kazakhstan. Among them are the university's faculty and students, as well as prize-winners of international and national competitions. Athletes from Astana, Almaty, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semey, Kokshetau and Karaganda took part in the race.

The main purpose of the event was to promote a healthy lifestyle, develop a culture of running in nature and popularize trail running.

The competition was held in the vicinity of the village of Katon-Karagai, where participants competed at distances of 5, 10 and 20 kilometers. Running enthusiasts and experienced athletes overcame the Sarymsakty route of the Katon-Karagai State National Nature Park, passing through the forest area.

Arnur Mukanov and Asset Zhunisov became the best among men at a distance of 5 kilometers, while Aknur Oralbek, Shynar Trotsyuk and Takhmina Yusif became the best among women.

The 10-kilometer distance required special endurance and high physical fitness from the participants. The athletes had to overcome a height difference of more than 500 meters. The winners were Sunkar Abylkhanov among men and Svetlana Aldyrbayeva among women.

Ruslan Abishov, Nurzhan Shpekbayev and Kuralai Tukina showed results in the 20-kilometer race, finishing first in their respective categories.

According to the results of the competition, all the winners and prize-winners received prizes. In addition, all participants were presented with memorable gifts from Eurasian National University.