Kazakhstan To Host 2024 Virtus World Half-Marathon and 10k Championship

Virtus, the International Sports Federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment, is thrilled to unveil the 2024 VIRTUS World Half-Marathon and 10k Championship in Kazakhstan. This announcement signifies a historic milestone as the event ventures into Asia for the first time.

Scheduled to take place from 18-22 April 2024, this remarkable event will be organized by the Federation of Sports for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (IDS), a valued Virtus member organization in Kazakhstan.

The event will take place in the beautiful city of Almaty, Kazakhstan, a city with a captivating blend of nature and modernity and a picturesque backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains. With warm Kazakh hospitality and diverse cuisine, Almaty is a city that beautifully intertwines tradition and progress.

Dina Temirgaliyeva, the President of the Kazakhstan Federation of Sports for Individuals with intellectual disabilities and a Board member of Virtus Asia, is thrilled to host the Virtus World Half-Marathon. She stated,

“This is the first opportunity for Asia to host the Virtus World Half Marathon Championships & 10K Road Race and is a great step ahead. This will allow athletes from Asia to participate in a high-level competition.”

“We hope that athletes from other countries will have an opportunity to visit Kazakhstan, which is going to be a great contribution to the development of sport for individuals with intellectual disabilities,” she further added.

The championship, supported by the Mayor of Almaty city and the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, will receive collaboration from corporate foundations “Courage to Be First” and the Athletics Federation.

Marc Truffaut, the President of Virtus, praised the increasing interest from new member nations and highlighted the prospect of athletes excelling in this elite competition. Underlining Kazakhstan’s achievements at the Virtus Global Games, he foresees the emergence of new champions at the upcoming event.

“Athletes from Kazakhstan have already demonstrated their talent at the Virtus Global Games, securing three medals in cycling at their inaugural games. We anticipate witnessing the rise of more champions at this event.”

Truffaut highlighted Virtus’ commitment to working closely with IDS to raise awareness of elite sporting opportunities for individuals with intellectual impairment and autism, not just in Kazakhstan but also across neighbouring countries and the region.

Keep an eye out for more updates on this exciting championship.