The 16th International Half Marathon will take place in Dushanbe on April 18, 2026, as part of celebrations marking Capital City Day. The event is considered one of the country’s most anticipating sporting highlights of the year.
Organizers are focusing on a strong field of participants, a substantial prize fund, and a festive citywide atmosphere. The Dushanbe Half Marathon is included in the international competition calendar under the auspices of World Athletics and regularly attracts runners from the capital’s sister cities.
The race distance remains the standard 21.0975 kilometers. The route runs through central streets of the city, from the Saadi Sherozi — Hofizi Sherozi area to the Chorbogh checkpoint, and then along Roudaki Avenue to Dousti Square.
Invited participants will be provided with accommodation and meals from April 16 to 20, allowing time for acclimatization and preparation. Each team will consist of one official representative and two athletes — one male and one female.
Strong participation is expected from athletes representing Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa, regions that have consistently produced top performers in the event.
Prize fund
The Dushanbe Half Marathon remains one of the most attractive races in the region in terms of prize money. Winners in both the men’s and women’s categories will receive $3,500, with second-place finishers awarded $3,000 and third-place finishers $2,500.
Cash prizes will be awarded up to sixth place: 4th place — $1,500; 5th place — $1,300; and 6th place — $1,000.
Separate prizes are предусмотрены for local participants from Dushanbe and districts subordinate to the center:
· 1st place — 7,700 somoni,
· 2nd place — 5,500 somoni,
· 3rd place — 3,300 somoni.
Previous results and history
In 2025, Uzbekistan’s Shohrukh Davlatov won the men’s race, marking another victory in Dushanbe. In the women’s event, Yekaterina Tinguskova, also representing Uzbekistan, took first place.
Tajik athletes did not reach the podium last year: Zuhursho Najmiddin finished 11th in the men’s race, while Rajabmoh Abdulloyeva placed 12th among women.
The first Dushanbe Half Marathon was held in 2010 and has since become an integral part of Capital City Day celebrations. Over the years, winners have come from Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Kenya, Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
In recent years, runners from Central Asia and East Africa have dominated the race, with Uzbek athletes increasingly securing top positions, reflecting the growing strength of athletics in the region.
