For the first time, the Silk Road Uzbekistan run took place in Shahrisabz

On September 27, Shahrisabz hosted a race of the Silk Road Uzbekistan international series for the first time. Running enthusiasts, students, running club members, bloggers, and professional athletes gathered at the start line by the majestic walls of the Ak-Saray Palace. The race offered participants a chance to see the birthplace of Amir Temur from a new perspective.

The Silk Road Shakhrisabz event was organized by the Central Asian Running and Walking Academy, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with the support of the Kashkadarya Region Sports Department.

The permanent partners of Silk Road Uzbekistan are JSC "Uzbektelecom" and the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which support the spring and autumn races of the series. Thanks to this support, the races take place in various regions of the country, giving an increasing number of people the opportunity to get involved in running.

The previous autumn race of the series took place on September 13 in Khiva. Thousands of runners, including guests from other countries, took part in the Silk Road Khiva race on the grounds of the Arda Khiva tourist complex.

"This year, the Silk Road Uzbekistan series has united eight sports events in the cities of the Great Silk Road. Seven races have already taken place, and today Shahrisabz took over the baton. Ahead is the Silk Road Andijan half marathon on October 11. Hosting a large-scale race near Ak-Saray is a challenging organizational task, so the Academy paid special attention to preparing the course and conditions for the participants. We hope that the runners will remember not only their results but also their encounter with the history of Shahrisabz," noted Shukhrat Usmanov, Director of the Central Asian Running and Walking Academy.

The Silk Road Shakhrisabz program included 5 km and 10 km races, a 5 km Nordic walking event, and Kids Run races of 250 m and 500 m. The event also featured the Talaba Yugur student competitions over a 3 km distance, which drew around 3,000 students, and the Inson Uchun charity inclusive race with a symbolic distance of 1 km.

The prize fund of the race amounted to 69 million soums. Cash prizes were provided for 24 podium places in the 5 km and 10 km distances among men and women. Winners and runners-up of the children's races and Nordic walking received prizes from the organizers and partners.

Each participant of the Silk Road Uzbekistan series received a starter pack, which included a bib number with a chip, a backpack, a cap, a medal, and a branded sports T-shirt from the Spanish brand Joma.

On October 11, the second Silk Road Andijan half marathon will take place.

1. Bakhtiyor Utkirov — 0:14:23

2. Ruslan Khodzhiev — 0:14:34

3. Nodirbek Mutalipov — 0:14:45

1. Shakhsonam Khurramova — 0:16:56

2. Nasima Mamurova — 0:17:40

3. Zizolabonu Yuldasheva — 0:17:50

1. Eldor Botirov — 0:30:17

2. Zhobir Kakhkhorov — 0:30:19

3. Nuriddin Rakhmatov — 0:30:45

1. Saidabonu Nusratilloeva — 0:35:44

2. Arofat Imomalieva — 0:36:17

3. Darya Antropova — 0:37:14