On Sunday I participated in the Yangi Nafas (New Breath) 10-kilometer race here in Tashkent. Yangi Nafas races were held in 16 cities around Uzbekistan to celebrate Independence Day. It is an appropriate name as Uzbekistan is a young country (32 years) and 60% of the population is under 20 years old. The Uzbek Athletics Federation used the slogan, “One country, one start, one distance, one goal – we run together”. I think mass races are a custom left over from the Soviet Union to celebrate anniversaries or big sporting events.
The race was well organized! It started on time (6:30 AM) and the course was well-marked with water stops along the way. It was a confetti start with an impressive Start/Finish arch. There were even cheerleaders at the halfway point and at the finish to lift the spirits of the runners. The course was a big L-shaped up and back through two of the widest boulevards in the city so it wasn’t the most exciting course, but it was flat, smooth with plenty of room.
I redeemed myself from my horrible run this summer in the Bass Festival by running a 50:51, cutting 9 minutes from my time. I know I can go under 50 minutes and my goal is to get to 45 minutes in a 10-kilometer. The next big race is in Samarkand in November, but not sure if I will go due to Oliver’s soccer.
Uzbekistan has a nice series of long-distance races throughout the year. Anchored by big races such as the Bukhara night race in August, Samarkand in November, Tashkent in March, and Zaamin in June , a runner can always have something to train for. There are also smaller runs like the Yangi Nafas, and there are also big races in Astana, Almaty, Bishkek, and neighboring Central Asian countries.
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