Samarkand Marathon Awarded World Athletics Elite Label
Uzbekistan
The international charity Samarkand Marathon, organized by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), has been awarded World Athletics Elite Label status. Four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah will serve as ambassador for the 2026 edition, welcoming participants on November 7 and starting the marathon the following day.
The Elite Label is part of the World Athletics Label Road Races programme, which recognizes road races meeting the federation’s standards for sporting quality, event organization, participant safety and anti-doping measures. The programme has four levels: Label, Elite, Gold and Platinum. Samarkand Marathon has moved directly into the Elite category, without first receiving the entry-level Label.
The designation is expected to strengthen the event’s international profile and make it more attractive to professional runners, athlete managers and sports agencies. Results from Elite Label races count towards the World Athletics global rankings under the federation’s rules. This year, professional athletes from different countries are expected to compete in the 42.2-kilometre race, including national and international stars who have taken part in the Olympic Games, world championships and major international marathons. For participants, the status confirms inclusion in the international athletics calendar and compliance with World Athletics standards.
Sir Mo Farah is one of the most accomplished distance runners in British sporting history. He is a four-time Olympic champion, six-time world champion and nine-time European champion, with many of his major titles won over 5,000 and 10,000 metres. Born in Somaliland and raised in the United Kingdom, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. He retired from professional competition in 2023. At 19:50 on November 7, Farah will greet runners on the main stage. On November 8, he will start the marathon, welcome the winners and present medals to finishers.
Held since 2019, Samarkand Marathon brings together elite athletes and amateur runners, using sport to showcase the city’s historic heritage. Since 2022, it has been among the races that can provide qualification opportunities for the AbbottWMM MTT Age Group World Championships, subject to the relevant requirements. The event is also a member of AIMS, and its courses are certified by World Athletics.
The 2025 edition attracted almost 10,000 participants from 53 countries. Runners from 72 countries have registered for 2026, and registration remains open. The wider series also includes Bukhara Night Race, Sky Camp Bo’stonliq, ZAAMIN ULTRA and ARAL ULTRA. Funds raised through the events go towards building children’s sports grounds in the regions where races take place. Samarkand Marathon will be held on November 7–8, 2026, with the start and finish at Registan Square. The Elite Label marks a significant step in its international development and supports Uzbekistan’s ambitions in sports tourism. It links sport and heritage.
The designation is expected to strengthen the event’s international profile and make it more attractive to professional runners, athlete managers and sports agencies. Results from Elite Label races count towards the World Athletics global rankings under the federation’s rules. This year, professional athletes from different countries are expected to compete in the 42.2-kilometre race, including national and international stars who have taken part in the Olympic Games, world championships and major international marathons. For participants, the status confirms inclusion in the international athletics calendar and compliance with World Athletics standards.
Sir Mo Farah is one of the most accomplished distance runners in British sporting history. He is a four-time Olympic champion, six-time world champion and nine-time European champion, with many of his major titles won over 5,000 and 10,000 metres. Born in Somaliland and raised in the United Kingdom, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. He retired from professional competition in 2023. At 19:50 on November 7, Farah will greet runners on the main stage. On November 8, he will start the marathon, welcome the winners and present medals to finishers.
Held since 2019, Samarkand Marathon brings together elite athletes and amateur runners, using sport to showcase the city’s historic heritage. Since 2022, it has been among the races that can provide qualification opportunities for the AbbottWMM MTT Age Group World Championships, subject to the relevant requirements. The event is also a member of AIMS, and its courses are certified by World Athletics.
The 2025 edition attracted almost 10,000 participants from 53 countries. Runners from 72 countries have registered for 2026, and registration remains open. The wider series also includes Bukhara Night Race, Sky Camp Bo’stonliq, ZAAMIN ULTRA and ARAL ULTRA. Funds raised through the events go towards building children’s sports grounds in the regions where races take place. Samarkand Marathon will be held on November 7–8, 2026, with the start and finish at Registan Square. The Elite Label marks a significant step in its international development and supports Uzbekistan’s ambitions in sports tourism. It links sport and heritage.
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