Kazbegi Marathon

KAZBEGI MARATHON SEPT 4 to SEPT 11 or SEPT 8 TO SEPT 11 2011

RACE TO KAZBEGI

This years' event offers four races of varying distance: 53 km ultra marathon; 40 km marathon; 20 km half marathon; 8 km road race.

In addition to participation in the race, we supply tour packages of varying types that offer an experience of Georgia's striking landscapes and nature reserves along with breathtaking views of the Great Caucasus Mountains

ITIN 1 � Kazbegi Marathon - Long Program:

September 4 � Day 1: Arrival Day

Welcome to Beautiful Georgia, home of the Caucasus Range and the great Kazbegi Mountain!

After arriving at the international airport of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, you will be met by a guide and will be taken to a hotel in Tbilisi.

September 5 � Day 2: Tbilisi

In the morning you'll meet the guide that will accompany you during the whole trip and start somesightseeing in Tbilsi. The city offers a great variety of sights, most of them very ancient. All the places of interest are located in the Old Town, all within a few miniutes walk from each other. The tour to Old Tbilisi starts at the Metekhi Church, and then proceeds with a walk up to the brick-domed Sulphur Baths. From the Baths you'll head up the hill to visit Narikala Fortress � one of the oldest fortifications in the city. Afterwards continue to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church that marks the end of the Old Town. Then take a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue � the main street in Tbilisi, where most of the main institutional buildings stand. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight accommodation in a Tbilisi hotel.

(B/-/D)

September 6 � Day 3: Tbilisi � Mtskheta � Uplistsikhe � Bakuriani

This morning you will continue to get to know the highlights of Georgia.

We start with a drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, where you'll visit the historical sites: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the Robe of Christ is believed to be buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Then we'll drive on to visit the town of Gori � stop for a photo shoot near the house where Stalinspent his childhood years growing up.

Next stop is Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC), at the heart of Kartli region where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even an antique theatre.

Afterwards we'll drive to Meskheti and Javakheti region. We'll travel through foresty hills and Rocky Mountains to Bakuriani ski resort via Borjomi spa town � famous for its mineral water �Borjomi�.

Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in a hotel in Bakuriani.

(B/-/D)

September 7 � Day 4: Bakuriani � Tabatskuri Lake � Bakuriani

This is a full day to be spent in the spectacular nature of the Meskheti and Javakheti region. In the morning we'll drive through Tskhratskaro pass (2450 m) and arrive at the beautiful Lake Tabatskuri. Further on to Tabatskuri village, a picturesque place perched on a 2,600 meter-High Mountain. We will also visit another small village called Moliti, not far from Tabatskuri, and then drive back to Bakuriani.

Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in a hotel in Bakuriani.

(B/-/D)

September 8 � Day 5: Bakuriani � Vardzia � Bakuriani

A drive to Vardzia through Meskheti and Javakheti regions � the magnificent cave town of the Golden Age. The cave complex, stretching over half a kilometer, once consisted of some 3000 caves and was one of the best examples of Georgia�s renaissance. There is a church hewn out in rock with amazing 12th century frescos. The complex also includes dwelling quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories and wine cellars. On the way to Vardzia you will also visit the Khertvisi fortress.

Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in a hotel in Bakuriani.

(B/-/D)

September 9 � Day 6: Bakuriani � Gudauri/Kazbegi

Today is preparation day for tomorrow's big event! Drive to Gudauri ski resort.

Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in a hotel in Gudauri/Kazbegi.

(B/-/D)

10 September � Day 7: Marathon Race to Kazbegi

Today is the most exciting day of this trip! Wake up early in the morning and drive to the marathon's starting point in Kazbegi. Remember! This is an unforgettable experience regardless of who wins.

Enjoy the pleasant feeling of participating in this adventurous marathon.

First aid stations will be available along the route.

Dinner and overnight accommodation in a hotel in Gudauri/Kazbegi.

(B/-/D)

11 September � Day 8: Gudauri/Kazbegi � Tbilisi � Departure

In the morning drive to Tbilisi, you'll get some free time in the city and then be transferred to the airport and departure.

(B)

ITIN 2 � Kazbegi Marathon - Short Program:

September 8 � Day 1: Arrival day

Welcome to Beautiful Georgia, home of the Caucaus Range and the great Kazbegi Mountain!

Arriving at the international airport of Tbilisi, the Capital City of Georgia, you will be met by a guide and will be taken to a hotel in Tbilisi.

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September 9 � Day 2: Tbilisi � Mtskheta � Gudauri/Kazbegi

Drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, where you'll visit the historical sites: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the Robe of Christ is believed to be buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Drive to Gudauri ski resort.

Dinner and overnight accommodation in a hotel in Gudauri/Kazbegi.

(B/-/D)

September 10 � Day 3: Marathon Race to Kazbegi

Today is the most exciting day of this trip! Wake up early in the morning and drive to the marathon's starting point in Kazbegi. Remember! This is an unforgettable experience regardless of who wins.

Enjoy the pleasant feeling of participating in this adventurous marathon.

First aid stations will be available along the route.

Dinner and overnight in Gudauri/Kazbegi in a hotel.

(B/-/D)

September 10 � Day 4: Gudauri/Kazbegi � Tbilisi � Departure

In the morning drive to Tbilisi, get some free time in the city and then you will be transferred to the airport and departure.

(B/-/-)

RATES

Long tour package in shared double room: 875 USD
Single accommodation is available upon request for a supplementary fee of 125 USD

Short tour package in shared double room: 550 USD
Single accommodation is available upon request for a supplementary fee of 105 USD

Price includes:
- All accommodation in 3 or 4 star hotels including services and taxes.
Hotels or similar: in Tbilisi (Tori, Sharden, Villa Mtiebi), in Gudauri (Gudauri Hut) or hotel in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda).

- All transportation and excursion as mentioned.

- English speaking Tour Guide.

- Entrance fees to all mentioned sites. Optional tours must be purchased separately.

- Meals as mentioned on the 'day to day' program.

-1 bottle of mineral water per day.

Price does not include:

- Pick up at Tibilisi airport and transfer to a hotel in Tibilisi on arrival day.

- International air ticket, air fees and airport taxes to/from Georgia.

- Tips for local guides and drivers.

- Meals not mentioned in the day to day program.

- Optional tours which must be booked in advance.

- Personal expenses.

- Travel and medical insurance.

- Cancellation fee.

- Marathon registration fee (See Below)

- All other expenses - NOT mentioned under “Price includes".

- Before and after tour transfer and accommodation for those who come before or leave after the marathon date.

Race Registration
53km Mountain Race - $225 USD
Long Marathon - 40Km - $150USD
Half marathon - 20 Km - $110 USD
8 km road race - $45 USD

Please note:
-The package is limited to 400 runners!
-Prices are per person.
-There is a special price reduction of 35 USD per person if booking is done before May 1, 2011.
-Final date for booking and registering for the "Kazbegi Marathon" is Aug 30, 2011

-Participation is purely at your own risk. All extra costs incurred, no matter what the cause is, will under no circumstances be the responsibility of the "Kazbegi Marathon Company".

-Concerning medical risks- all active participants must declare that they are in good health. The "Kazbegi Marathon" provides a team of specialized physicians to assure that every injured participant will receive suitable treatment. This is also the reason why compulsory travel insurance has been included in the package price.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Marathon starts from the centre of the town of Kazbegi, overlooking by the majestic Mt. Kazbegi (5047 m) and the splendid Gergeti Trinity Church

During the race (in 10 km) you will pass the village Sioni lying on the picturesque background of the small church and defense tower.

On the way we enjoy the views of the eye catching small villages dotted on the surrounding slopes.

Run in the virgin nature of the Truso gorge. Here the desolate houses and untouchable beauty of nature make you absorb unforgettable local flavor.

On the way a stream of yellow colored sour water will draw your attention. This mineral spring consists of different kind of minerals among them sulfur, iron, etc

Running along the Military highway you will reach the highest point of the Cross Pass (2395 m).
As the road goes up higher we get deeper in the breathtaking Great Caucasus Mountains.

Finish the race at the Peace Memorial with the thrilling view over the gorge.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The race takes place on Saturday, September 10th, 2011
The race is a point to point race
Buses for the full distance will leave the hotel at 06:00 and for the half distance at 08:00
The full marathon starts at 08:00 from the town center of Kazbegi
The half marathon starts at 09:30 from the town center of Kobi, along the military way
Race ends at the Peace Memorial over watching the town of Gudauri and the Caucasus region
Course will be closed after 7 hours
All runners who complete the distance within the time limit will be given a medal and a Finisher's certificate
All runners will be given a race shirt
All runners can leave their bags at the start of both races and collect it at the end.

The marathon route
The race starts at the town center of Kazbegi, over watching the famous mountain and the church at it's foothills.
The race goes along the military way, climbs gently for the first 13 kilometers, allowing the runners to warm up well.
At that point, runners will turn right into the breath taking Truso Valley, where they will run for about 6 kilometers and return back to the main road, where the real climb begins!
From the 28th kilometer until the 40th kilometer, runners will climb on the winding road, slowly making it to the pass at 2350m above sea level through the majestic Caucasus mountains
From the 40th until the end of the race runners will be able to relax their tired legs on the gentle downhill towards the exciting finish of the race
Kilometer signs will be found along the entire route

Half marathon -
The half marathon race will start at the town center of Kobi, a small village along the military way.
Runners will enjoy a short warm up and will run into the mountains, without the Truso Valley portion

Aid stations
Aid stations are situated along the route approx. every 4 kilometers. At selected stations energy drinks and gels, as well as some fruits will also be provided

It is possible to have personal supplies delivered at selected stations. Those can include food, drink, sunscreen, extra clothes and shoes or other personal necessities

Race Officials
The organizers, assisted by the Georgia Athletic Federation Officials will be in charge of setting up the route as well as controlling the logistics on race day. The race officials have full rights to change any detail of the race if necessary. All decisions made by the race official team are final

Medical Team
An Israeli medical team, assisted by Georgian paramedics will supervise the marathon and assist in case of injury or exhaustion. The medical team have undisputed authority to exclude runners who, according to their judgment, should not continue running if it involves a serious health risk to the runner. The medical team will be patrolling the route as well as being situated in the finish area and on strategic points of the route

Withdrawal
Runners who wish to drop out of the race should go to the nearest aid station and wait to be picked up by either the medical team or race officials. If a runner cannot make it to the nearest aid station, he/she should simply wait at the side if the road. We encourage all participants to look out for each other and report to the officials or medical team if you see an injured runner on the route. All decisions made by the medical team will be final!

Facilities at the finish
The medal is given immediately after the finish line has been crossed. A medical tent is set up at the finish to check all runners passing the finish line. Drinks and light food are given to all runners. Shuttle buses leave the finish area every hour to bring runners back to the hotel, which is situated only 7 kilometers away from the finish line

Non � runners
Non runners can ride the buses with the runners to both marathon and half marathon starts. After the start of the race, the buses will take the non-runners to strategic points along the way to cheer their loved ones and from there, to the finish

MARATHON TERMS AND CONDITION

REGISTRATION

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