Issyk Kul Six-Day Challenge
Join Issyk Kul Six-Day Challenge
FIRST EVER ULTRAMARATHON AROUND THE SECOND LARGEST MOUNTAIN LAKE IN THE WORLD
Mainly a road race around Issyk Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan. Six stages with a total length of almost two Spartathlons take place at an altitude of 1,600–2,000 m above sea level. 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.
TIMETABLE
- May 19, 2024 – check-in and bib number pickup; Pasta Party
- May 20–25, 2024 – stages 1 to 6, each starting at 8:00
- May 26, 2024 – Award Banquet
START AND FINISH PLACE
Baktuu-Dolonotu, at the hippodrome built for the World Nomad Games.
STAGES
90 km, 74 km, 87 km, 85 km, 79 km, 45 km; total gain & loss of 6.3 km. Time limits: 12 hours for Stages 1 to 5 and 7 hours for Stage 6. There are aid stations at each stage every ~20 km.
Course details
Start
8:00, Baktuu-Dolonotu, 1,630 m above sea level
Finish
Frunze, 1,660 m above sea level; closes at 20:00
Distance
90 km, total gain & loss of 950 m
Features
Start at the hippodrome built for the World Nomad Games. The route runs partly along the very edge of the Issyk Kul shore. There are no accommodation options at the place of the finish, so consider camping or buying the All-Inclusive Package
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STAGE 2, MAY 21, 2024
Start
8:00, Frunze, 1,660 m above sea level
Finish
Seven Bulls Rock Viewpoint, 2,050 m above sea level; closes at 20:00
Distance
74 km, total gain & loss of 1.5 km
Features
The most difficult stage of the race in terms of elevation gain; however, finishing at the point with one of the most inspiring views in all of Issyk Kul makes it worth it. There are limited accommodation options near the finish; please note that the start of the next stage is 15 km away
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STAGE 3, MAY 22, 2024
Start
8:00, Highway A363, turn to Jeti Oguz, 1,680 m above sea level
Finish
Fairy Tale Canyon, 1,740 m above sea level; closes at 20:00
Distance
87 km, total gain & loss of 1.3 km
Features
The stage finishes at an amazing place, more reminiscent of Mars than anything terrestrial. There are glampings and yurt camps not far from the finish line, but with very limited capacity, so consider camping or buying the All-Inclusive Package
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STAGE 4, MAY 23, 2024
Start
8:00, Highway A363, turn to Fairy Tale Canyon, 1,610 m above sea level
Finish
Ak Bulun peninsula, 1,600 m above sea level; closes at 20:00
Distance
85 km, total gain & loss of 1.3 km
Features
During the stage, participants will again rise to a height of 2,000 m and finish in the world-recognized Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. There are no accommodation options at the place of the finish, so consider camping or buying the All-Inclusive Package
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STAGE 5, MAY 24, 2024
Start
8:00, Ak Bulun peninsula, 1,600 m above sea level
Finish
Raduga West Resort, 1,620 m above sea level; closes at 20:00
Distance
79 km, total gain & loss of 700 m
Features
The last long leg of the race circles the western tip of Issyk Kul and passes through Balykchy, the main transport hub of the region today and part of the ancient Great Silk Road. There are plenty of accommodation options at the place of the finish
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STAGE 6, MAY 25, 2024
Start
8:00, Raduga West Resort, 1,620 m above sea level
Finish
Baktuu-Dolonotu, 1,630 m above sea level; closes at 15:00
Distance
45 km, total gain & loss of 550 m
Features
The race ends in the heart of the “Issyk Kul Riviera”, with various accommodation options available. Participants will be able to recover in the famous Ak Bermet hot spring, visit restaurants and have a good rest in anticipation of the awards ceremony the next day.
Start address: Бактуу-Долоноту, Кыргызстан
Finish address: Бактуу-Долоноту, Кыргызстан
Route map
What’s included
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done Finisher medal
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done Goodie bag
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done Event T-shirts
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done Finisher’s T-shirts
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done E-certificate/e-diploma
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done Timing chip (single use)
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done Photo Service
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done Video Service
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done Expo entry
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done Pre-race meal
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done Post-race meal
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done Drink Stations
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done Nutrition Stations
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done Medical Assistance
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done Bag drop
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done Toilets
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Frequently asked questions
Visa
Citizens of more than 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and all of Europe, do not require a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan. Everyone else can easily apply for an e-visa.
Traveling
There are many direct flights to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, from Dubai and Istanbul – the world’s largest hubs – as well as other cities. Just 35 km away from the starting point, there is the Issyk Kul International Airport (Tamchy). However, only a few flights from the neighboring countries go there, so the main air gate of Kyrgyzstan is the Manas International Airport in Bishkek. From the capital, you can get to the start of the race by comfortable GoBus coaches.
The race information has been found on the official website of the event or through publicly available sources. Always refer to the official website the latest race information. Please let us know if any data is wrong or missing, by emailing us.
