24th Official Asian Games Fun Run in Astana, Kazakhstan 27-05-2006

Over one thousand children took part in the Kazakhstan fun run held inside the Central Stadium of Astana, on Saturday 27th May, as part of the 24th Official Asian Games Fun Run.  The Fun Run celebrated sport in Asia and highlighted the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.

Organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Kazakhstan National Olympic Committee the Fun Run consisted of three different age groups of children ranging from 9 years to 14 years.

The city of Astana threw their whole hearted support behind the Fun Run making it a festive day for all. A brass band played lively tunes while a parade of 3000 people from different schools and organizations from Astana marched ceremoniously around the stadium. Guest appearance from Deputy Mayor of Astana – Mrs Sabilya Mustafina and Kazakhstan Olympic silver and gold medalist for weight lifting Mr Anatoliy Khrapatiy all helped to create a buzz of excitement before they headed to the start line. The run took place around the 400m tartan race track at the stadium. Each age group was divided into 3 groups and each race timed to decide the winners. Each participant was rewarded with a certificate of achievement, ice creams and an Asian Games Astana Fun Run t-shirt from the NOC Kazakhstan.

Various representatives from Kazakhstan NOC including Chairman Mr Kuandyk Elzhanov, DAGOC and ex-Olympian Mr Anatoliy Khrapatiy presented the winners from each race with bronze, silver or gold medals and the winner also took home a portable stereo and various other gifts.  

The event attracted wide-spread press attention and was featured that evening on local TV stations AC TV, National News Kazakhstan, Commercial TV Kazakhstan. Local and national daily newspapers both in Kazakhstan and Russian language including Astana Evening News, Astana Capital Paper, Kazakhstan Truth and Info Astan were also present to capture all the action and festivity.