KAZBEGI MARATHON AUG 29 to SEPT 5 or AUG 31 TO SEPT 5 2010

RACE TO KAZBEGI

This adventure marathon in Kazbegi is the best chance to get involved in one of the most exciting races and experience the unspoilt beauty of Georgia. We invite you all, runners and their families and friends, to become part of this thrilling marathon together with getting to know the culture and traditions of Georgia. You will be accompanied by our guide over the whole tour.


SHORT PROGRAM  AUG 31 to SEPT 9, 2010

31 August – Day 1: Departure
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 Marathon's staff member and will be taken to our 5 stars hotel "Sheraton Metechi Palce" in Tbilisi.
No meals are included this day.

1 September – Day 2: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Uplistsikhe – Bakuriani
This morning continue getting to know the highlights of Georgia.
Drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, where you 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 drive on to visit the town of Gori – stop for a photo shoot near Stalin’s house and his big statue that still stands in the city center.
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 antic theatre.
Afterwards we drive to Meskheti and Javakheti region. We travel through forested hills and Rocky Mountains to Bakuriani ski resort via Borjomi spa town – famous for its mineral water “Borjomi”.
Dinner and overnight in 3 stars hotel in Bakuriani.
All meals are included on this day.

2 September – Day 3: Bakuriani –Armenian villages - Tabatskuri Lake – Bakuriani
This is a full day in the spectacular nature of the Meskheti and Javakheti region. In the morning drive by minibuses through Tskhratskaro pass (2450 m) to find yourself at the beautiful lake Tabatskuri. Further on to Tabatskuri village, a picturesque place perched on a 2,600 meter-High Mountain. There is another small village called Moliti not far, and you will also visit it. Then drive back to Bakuriani.
Dinner and overnight in 3 stars hotel in Bakuriani.
All meals are included on this day.

3 September – Day 4: Bakuriani – Gudauri
Today is preparation day for tomorrow's big event! Drive to Gudauri ski resort where our medical team will give a briefing about tomorrow’s big event. This will also be the last chance to change your chosed distance.
After the info briefing our guide will lead you to the friendship memorial, where the finish line will be tomorrow, from which you can see the beautiful scenery of the Great Caucasus.
Overnight in 4 stars hotel in Gudauri for the next 2 days.
All meals are included on this day.

4 September – Day5: Race to Kazbegi
Today is the most exciting day of this trip! Wake up early in the morning and drive to the point in Kazbegi where the marathon starts. Remember! This is an unforgettable experience regardless of who wins.
This spectacular race starts at 1700 m and goes up along the stunning scenery finishes at 2400 m. enjoy the pleasant feeling of participating in this adventurous marathon, taking place for the very first time.
First aid stations will be available along the route.
A light breakfast, packed lunch at the Finish Line and dinner are included today.

5 September – Day 8: Gudauri – 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 for your departure.

LONG PROGRAM AUG 29 to SEPT 5, 2010
 
29 August – 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 Marathon's staff member and will be taken to our 5 stars hotel "Sheraton Metechi Palce" in Tbilisi.
No meals are included this day.
 
30 August – Day 2: Tbilisi
In the morning you meet the guide that will accompany you during the whole trip and start a Tbilisi sightseeing tour. The city offers a great variety of sights, most of them very ancient.  All the places of interest are located in the Old Town, very close to each other, within a few minutes walk. You start your visit to Old Tbilisi at the Metekhi Church, then walk up to the brick-domed Sulphur Baths. From the Baths you 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 building stands. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight in 5 stars hotel "Sheraton Metechi Palce" in Tbilisi.
Breakfast and dinner are included this day.
 
31 August – Day 3: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Uplistsikhe – Bakuriani
This morning continue getting to know the highlights of Georgia.
Drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, where you 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 drive on to visit the town of Gori – stop for a photo shoot near Stalin’s house and his big statue that still stands in the city center.
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 antic theatre.
Afterwards we drive to Meskheti and Javakheti region. We travel through forested hills and Rocky Mountains to Bakuriani ski resort via Borjomi spa town – famous for its mineral water “Borjomi”.
Dinner and overnight in 3 stars hotels in Bakuriani.
All meals are included on this day.
 
1 September – Day 4: Bakuriani –Armenian Villages - Tabatskuri Lake – Bakuriani
This is a full day in the spectacular nature of the Meskheti and Javakheti region. In the morning drive by minibuses through Tskhratskaro pass (2450 m) to find yourself at the beautiful lake Tabatskuri. Further on to Tabatskuri village, a picturesque place perched on a 2,600 meter-High Mountain. There is another small village called Moliti not far, and you will also visit it. Then drive back to Bakuriani.
Dinner and overnight in will be in Bakuriani.
All meals are included on this day.
 
2 September – Day 5: Bakuriani
Today you can either join the group and enjoy the fascinating rocky nature on the way to ‘Vardzia’ cave town or stay in Bakuriani and enjoy the day on your own walking along one of the many beautiful paths in the area. You can also walk up Mt. Kokhta.  
For those who drive to Vardzia: Drive 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, wine cellars, etc. On the way to Vardzia you will also visit Khertvisi fortress.
Overnight in Bakuriani in 3 stars hotel.
All meals are included on this day.
 
3 September – Day 6: Bakuriani – Gudauri
Today is preparation day for tomorrow's big event! Drive to Gudauri ski resort where our medical team will give a briefing about tomorrow’s big event. This will also be the last chance to change your chosen distance of running.
After the info briefing, our guide will lead you to the friendship memorial, where the finish line will be tomorrow, from which you can see the beautiful scenery of the Great Caucasus.
Overnight in Gudauri for the next 2 days in 4 stars hotel.
All meals are included on this day.
 
4 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 point in Kazbegi where the marathon starts. Remember! This is an unforgettable experience regardless of who wins.
This spectacular race starts at 1700 m and goes up along the stunning scenery finishes at 2400 m.
Enjoy the pleasant feeling of participating in this adventurous marathon, taking place for the very first time.
First aid stations will be available along the route.
A light breakfast, packed lunch at the Finish Line and Gala dinner are included today.
 
5 September – Day 8: Gudauri – 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 for your departure.
 
RATES

Long tour package in shared double room: 1500 €
Single accommodation is available upon request for a supplementary fee of 295€

Short tour package in shared double room: 1350 €
Single accommodation is available upon request for a supplementary fee of 205€

Price includes:
- Pick up at Tibilisi airport and transfer to a hotel in Tibilisi on arrival day.
- All accommodation at 3 or 4 stars hotels including services and taxes.
- All transportation as mentioned.
- English speaking Tour Guide.
- Entrance fees to all mentioned sites. Optional tours must be purchased separately.
- All expenses related to the kazbegi marathon including start number, t-shirt, medal, certificate, medical team.
- Meals as mentioned in the day to day program.
- Medical insurance on the marathon day only (covers all treatment for injuries/illnesses).
-1 bottle of mineral water per day.
-Marathon medical team of specialized physicians. This service is offered on Sep 4 only.
On Sep 5 there will be a few return transfers to the airport for Lufthansa airlines, Turkish airlines, Georgian airlines, BMI and Czech airlines. For those who fly in a different day or after Sep 5 at 10pm, there is an additional fee for the transfer.


Price does not include:
- 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 medical insurance.
- Cancellation fee.
- Anything not mentioned under “Price includes".
-pre and after tour transfer and accommodation to those who come before or leave after the marathon date.

Please note:
-All prices are in Euro.
-Prices are per person.

-late entry fee of 35 Euro per person will be applied for participants who book and register after July 2010.

-last possible date to book and register with the kazbegi marathon is August 15th 2010






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 4th, 2010
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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