Tag Archives: Z Adventures

Baku Waterfront Marathon 2024

Monday September 16th 2024 I ran the Baku Waterfront Marathon in Azerbaijan. Find below my full race coverage from this marathon and some tourist impressions from the impressive city of Baku.

Baku City, incl. the Flame Towers
During our visit to Baku, we had the chance to experience a fascinating blend of modernity and history. The city’s skyline is incredibly unique, and we began our adventure by catching a glimpse of the Formula 1 race. The energy around the track was exhilarating—the sound of the engines roaring through the streets was unlike anything we had ever heard. Watching the cars zip past the city’s landmarks, it felt like the entire city was buzzing with excitement.

Afterward, we wandered into the Old City, or Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through the narrow, cobbled streets felt like stepping back in time. The ancient walls, charming courtyards, and historic buildings told stories of centuries past. We couldn’t help but feel awe-struck by the contrast between this part of Baku and the ultra-modern developments that surround it.

As night fell, we made our way to the iconic Flame Towers, which lit up the skyline with their dazzling lights. Watching them flicker like flames in the dark was mesmerizing, and they seemed to perfectly symbolize Baku’s modern spirit. The view of the towers against the night sky was unforgettable.

The highlight of our visit, however, was the trip to the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the famous Iranian architect Zaha Hadid. The building is absolutely stunning, with its flowing, organic curves and futuristic design. It almost looks like it’s in motion, even though it’s made of solid materials. Walking inside was like entering a work of art, and the interior was just as impressive, with sleek, modern exhibits that perfectly complement the architecture. We were in awe of how one structure could blend so seamlessly with its surroundings while being so bold and striking.

Baku truly left an impression on us—it’s a city where tradition meets innovation in the most spectacular way. And the food is awesome!

Baku Waterfront Marathon 2024 - Tor Rønnow - Heydar Aliyev Center

Baku Waterfront Marathon 2024
This Marathon was the first of three in the series “Caucasus Challenge 2024” organized by Z Adventures. The route was an easy 2.1 km out-back loop and the only and foremost struggle of the day was: the extreme heat (up to 27 C) and direct sun exposure. We enjoyed a nice view to the Casperian Sea and to Baku City in the horisont.

Baku Waterfront Marathon 2024 (Azerbaijan) - Caucasus Challenge 2024 - Tor Rønnow

See or relive the Baku Waterfront Marathon 2024 here (and in Azerbaijani and Russian)

Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – billeder/fotos af Tor Rønnow (Danish)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – bilder av Tor Rønnow (Svenska)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – bilder von Tor Rønnow (Deutsch)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – pictures by Tor Rønnow (English)
2024 年阿塞拜疆巴庫海濱馬拉松 – 圖片/照片由 Tor Rønnow(中文)提供
バクー・ウォーターフロント・マラソン・アゼルバイジャン 2024 – 画像/写真 by Tor Rønnow (日本語)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – photos de Tor Rønnow (Français)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – foto di Tor Rønnow (Italiano)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – fotos del Tor Rønnow (Español)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – beelden van Tor Rønnow (Nederlandse)

Khujand Marathon 2023

Saturday October 14th 2023 I ran the Khujand Marathon in Tajikistan, the last of four marathons in 6 days as part of the “Central Asian Challenge 2023” by Z Adventures. Find below my full race coverage from this marathon and a few impressions from Khujand and Tajikistan.

Khujand and Tajikistan
We did not have much time in Khujand to explore the city, so the impressions from Tajikistan came mostly from the bus rides to/from Tashkent. Tajikistan is a country with approx. 9 mio. inhabitants and is one of the most mountainrich countries as well. The history of the city Khujand dates back more than 2500 years (!) and Khujand was once an important stop on thr Silk Road to China. Below also a few snapshots kindly lend from the other runners.

Khujand Marathon 2023 - Tor Rønnow

Khujand Marathon 2023
The race series came to it’s conclusion Saturday in Tajikistan, we ran 28 times round in a beautiful Park in Khujand. The route was very flat and easy and the temperatures were very pleasant: 12-18 C, ideal conditions for running. We headed back to Tashkent immediately after the maraton, yet another very busy day with running and travelling. My warm congratulations to all the runners for all finishing all the four races and a special high-five to Nandini Alinier for her first marathon ever, well done here in Khujand! Thus, this report is the final wrap of the “Central Asian Challenge 2023”, it has been an adventure for sure.

Khujand Marathon 2023 - Tor Rønnow

See or relive the Khujand Marathon 2023 here (and in Tajik and Russian) :

Khujand Marathon 2023 – billeder/fotos af Tor Rønnow (Danish)
Khujand Marathon 2023 – bilder av Tor Rønnow (Svenska)
Khujand Marathon 2023 – bilder von Tor Rønnow (Deutsch)
Khujand Marathon 2023 – pictures by Tor Rønnow (English)
2023 年苦盞馬拉松 – 圖片/照片由 Tor Rønnow(中文)提供
ホジェンドマラソン 2023 – 画像/写真 by Tor Rønnow (日本語)
Khujand Marathon 2023 – photos de Tor Rønnow (Français)
Khujand Marathon 2023 – foto di Tor Rønnow (Italiano)
Khujand Marathon 2023 – fotos del Tor Rønnow (Español)
Khujand Marathon 2023 – beelden van Tor Rønnow (Nederlandse)

Kashkent City Marathon 2023

Friday October 13th 2023 I ran the Tashkent City Marathon in Uzbekistan, the third of four marathons in 6 days as part of the “Central Asian Challenge 2023” by Z Adventures. Find below my full race coverage from this marathon and a few tourist impressions from Tashkent City.

Tashkent City
Tashkent is the Capital in Uzbekistan, 3.6 mio. inhabitants and thus almost 7 times the population of Copenhagen. Notable landmarks include several spectacular mosques, newly build Government buildings and the Tashkent Old City. Tashkent seemed much more like a modern and more interntionel metropole than Almaty and Bishkek with huge Malls and impressive hotels. Below a few snapshots kindly lend from the other runners.

Tashkent City Marathon 2023 - Tor Rønnow

Tashkent City Marathon 2023
The race series continued Friday morning in Uzbekistan, we ran 42 times round a multi stadium in Tashkent. The route was very flat and easy and the temperatures were very unlike the past two race: 10-14 C, ideal conditions for running. We headed towards Tadjikistan and the city Khujand immediately after the maraton, yet another very busy day with running and travelling. But hey, 3/4 done, spirits high!

Tashkent City Marathon 2023 - Tor Rønnow

See or relive the Tashkent Marathon 2023 here (and in Uzbek and Russian) :

Tashkent City Marathon 2023 – billeder/fotos af Tor Rønnow (Danish)
Tashkent City Marathon 2023 – bilder av Tor Rønnow (Svenska)
Tashkent City Marathon 2023 – bilder von Tor Rønnow (Deutsch)
Tashkent City Marathon 2023 – pictures by Tor Rønnow (English)
2023 年塔什幹城市馬拉松 – 圖片/照片由 Tor Rønnow(中文)提供
タシケントシティマラソン 2023 – 画像/写真 by Tor Rønnow (日本語)
Tashkent City Marathon 2023 – photos de Tor Rønnow (Français)
Tashkent City Marathon 2023 – foto di Tor Rønnow (Italiano)
Tashkent City Marathon 2023 – fotos del Tor Rønnow (Español)
Tashkent City Marathon 2023 – beelden van Tor Rønnow (Nederlandse)

Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023

Wednesday October 11th 2023 I ran the Bishek Ala-Too Marathon in Kyrgyzstan, the second of four marathons in 6 days as part of the “Central Asian Challenge 2023” by Z Adventures. Find below my full race coverage from this marathon and from Bishkek City.

Bishkek City and the Ala-Too Mountains
Bishkek is the Capital in Kyrgyzstan, 1 mio. inhabitants and thus almost 2 times the population of Copenhagen. Notable landmarks include the Ala-Too Square and the beautiful mountains nearby, we actually hiked there for 3 hours the day after the marathon! From the bus I saw a park/square where many people played chess, that alone should be a good reason to visit back to Bishkek.

Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023 - Tor Rønnow

Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023
The race series continued Wednesday morning in the old Botanical Garden in Bishkek. The route was again an out-back thingy to be done 10 times for a full marathon and with a total of approx. 300 elevation height meters. However, the biggest struggle of the day was for sure THE HEAT, we were kind of fried out there, exhausting stuff. Nevertheless, we all prevailed. Well done!

Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023 - Tor Rønnow

See or relive the Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023 here (and in Kyrgyz and Russian) :

Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023 – billeder/fotos af Tor Rønnow (Danish)
Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023 – bilder av Tor Rønnow (Svenska)
Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023 – bilder von Tor Rønnow (Deutsch)
Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023 – pictures by Tor Rønnow (English)
2023 年比什凱克阿拉圖馬拉松 – 圖片/照片由 Tor Rønnow(中文)提供
ビシュケク アラトゥー マラソン 2023 – 画像/写真 by Tor Rønnow (日本語)
Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023 – photos de Tor Rønnow (Français)
Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023 – foto di Tor Rønnow (Italiano)
Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023 – fotos del Tor Rønnow (Español)
Bishkek Ala-Too Marathon 2023 – beelden van Tor Rønnow (Nederlandse)

Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023

Monday October 9th 2023 I ran the Almaty Central Park Marathon in Kazakhstan, the first of four marathons in 6 days as part of the “Central Asian Challenge 2023” by Z Adventures. Find below my full race coverage from a this marathon and from Almaty City.

Almaty City
Almaty is the biggest city in Kazakhstan, +2 mio. inhabitants and thus almost 4 times the population of Copenhagen, just to put into perspective. The city is very green and pleasant to be in, clearly dominated by the former Sovjet regime in terms of architecture and language. Notable landmarks include the wooden orthodox church, the war memorials and the green marked, all featured in the report below.

Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023 - Tor Rønnow

Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023
The race series started out Monday morning at about 08.00 in the glorious Central Park with magnificant views towards the high, snow-covered mountains in the far. The route was a 2.1 mile loop out-back, to be run 10 times for a full marathon. With a total of 700 ascending height meters it was quite a brutal experience but we all prevaile; I was especially impressed of the veteran runners keeping up both a good (walking) pace and a high spirit. The Challenge was on! On a personal note ths was my marathon country no. 70.

Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023 - Tor Rønnow

See or relive the Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023 here (and in Kazakh and Russian) :

Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023 – billeder/fotos af Tor Rønnow (Danish)
Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023 – bilder av Tor Rønnow (Svenska)
Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023 – bilder von Tor Rønnow (Deutsch)
Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023 – pictures by Tor Rønnow (English)
阿拉木圖中央公園馬拉松 2023 – 圖片/照片由 Tor Rønnow(中文)提供
アルマトイ中央公園マラソン 2023 – 画像/写真 by Tor Rønnow (日本語)
Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023 – photos de Tor Rønnow (Français)
Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023 – foto di Tor Rønnow (Italiano)
Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023 – fotos del Tor Rønnow (Español)
Almaty Central Park Marathon 2023 – beelden van Tor Rønnow (Nederlandse)