If you have ever imagined a desert meeting the horizon of the sea, Barsa Kelmes is that place. On August 30 and 31, the vast salt plains that once lay beneath the waters of the Aral Sea hosted the third international UNG – Barsa Kelmes Marathon.
Running through past and future
Dozens of participants from different countries gathered in a location that today symbolises both beauty and loss. To run across the white salt flats of Barsa Kelmes was to move through the pages of history. Each step recalled a place where life once flourished but where nature now struggles to endure.
The marathon was organised by ProRun with the support of the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology, with Uzbekneftgaz as the main partner. More than a race, the event carried the message of showcasing the unique heritage of the Aral region and drawing international attention to its environmental challenges.
Celebration and contrast
In the evening, fireworks lit the desert sky to mark the 34th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence. Against the silence of the steppe and under a canopy of stars, the flashes of light became a symbol of hope and renewal.
A different kind of finish line
The conclusion of the marathon was distinctive. Instead of medals, participants received gloves and bags to take part in a plogging initiative, collecting plastic waste across the salt flats. The act served as a reminder that preserving Barsa Kelmes is possible only through joint efforts.
