Challenge Samarkand 2025: Triathlon in the Heart of Central Asia

On August 23–24, 2025, in historic Samarkand, the third international sports festival — Challenge Samarkand, one of the largest and most anticipated sporting events in Central Asia — took place. This year the race brought together more than 1,200 participants from 30 countries, including professional athletes, top names from the PTO world ranking, amateur athletes, and even the youngest sports enthusiasts. Challenge Samarkand unites not only sport, but also culture, history, and people.

The race was held on the grounds of the modern tourist complex Silk Road Samarkand. The venue was perfectly prepared to host athletes: the Silk Road Samarkand complex meets the highest international standards, and all hotels on its territory became race partners, offering athletes discounts on bookings.

How the race unfolded:

Swim Stage
The swim took place in the Rowing Canal, filled with crystal-clear mountain water. AGE group participants started in waves (rolling start) in cool water (around +22°C).

Middle Distance athletes completed 1.9 km of the swim stage, while Sprint Distance athletes completed 750 m of the swim stage.

Bike Stage
The course ran along traffic-free streets in the center of Samarkand, taking athletes on a journey through time: they rode along ancient Samarkand streets, went out of the city, and enjoyed wide-open landscapes. A highlight of the route was passing by the historical and cultural landmarks of Samarkand — Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and other UNESCO monuments.

Middle Distance participants covered 88 km on the bike stage. Many athletes later said it was one of the most beautiful cycling routes of their career.
The Sprint Distance bike stage took place within the Silk Road Samarkand complex — on a flat, fast 19 km course.

Run Stage
For many athletes, the run stage became a true test of endurance. The course circled the Rowing Canal:

The course circled the Rowing Canal, with the Middle Distance covering 21.5 km — 4 laps under the hot Samarkand sun on the way to the Finish Line.

Sports Festival

Challenge Samarkand is not just a triathlon race, but a true family sports festival. It combines triathlon distances (Middle Distance and Sprint Distance), a Women’s Run, a Kids’ Run, as well as a large entertainment program — a press conference with top athletes, a welcome party, a diverse Expo, a sea of drive and energy, and traditional plov offered to all race guests!

See you in 2026!
Challenge Samarkand 2025 became even more mature and well-organized compared to previous years. Many participants have already said they will return next year.
Challenge Samarkand 2026 will take place on September 12–13, 2026. We invite everyone — from beginners to professionals — to feel the spirit of the ancient city and test themselves in one of the most beautiful triathlons of Ancient Asia.

Thanks to our Partners

An event of this scale would be impossible without support. The Uzbekistan Triathlon Federation thanks all partners:

Title Sponsors:

-       Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Plant

-       Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Plant

Event Partners:

-       Apex — General Insurance Partner

-       Medion — Main Medical Safety Partner

-       Dakam — Main Technical Partner

-       Uzbekneftegaz — Event Sponsor

-       Silk Road Samarkand — Venue and Hotel Partner

-       RONI — Pizza & Pasta Partner. Delicious food for everyone.

-       Korzinka — Main Nutrition Support at all stages of the race

-       BYD — The best technological innovations for everyone

-       Arashan — More oxygen, more strength

-       Siberian Wellness — Sports nutrition line

-       Garmin — Stay in rhythm. Smartwatches and fitness trackers