Challenge Samarkand 2024: Energy, adrenaline, and thrilling competition in the heart of Central Asia!
From September 6 to 8, 2024, the ancient city of Samarkand transformed into a true triathlon arena, gathering over 2,000 participants and thousands of spectators from around the world for the vibrant and unforgettable event — Challenge Samarkand 2024! The only race in Central Asia that’s part of the prestigious Challenge Family series became a true celebration of sport, uniting people of all ages and skill levels. Three days of intense competitions offered something exciting for everyone. Kids’ races, a women’s race, and the main events over Sprint and Middle distances created a unique atmosphere of a true sports festival. The races brought together participants from 30 countries, including the world’s triathlon elite, adding prestige and grandeur to the event.
Distances
In the Sprint distance, athletes covered 750 meters of swimming, 19 km of cycling, and 5 km of running, while the Middle distance featured 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km of cycling, and 21.1 km of running. The competition was fierce and awe-inspiring!
PRO Athletes – The World’s Triathlon Elite
The race featured outstanding representatives of the global elite. In the men’s category, athletes included Gustav Iden (Norway), multiple long-distance triathlon world champion, participant in the 2020 Olympics; Kristian Blummenfelt (Norway), Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist, Ironman World Champion; Rico Bogen (Germany), junior world champion in IRONMAN 70.3 in 2023; Marius Bjerkeset from Norway; Tom Hug and Ruben Zepuntke from Germany; Thor Bendix Madsen from Denmark; and Bogdan Kovalenko from Kazakhstan. In the women’s category, top triathletes competed: Laura Madsen (Denmark), who in 2024 claimed victories at IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables D’Olonne and IRONMAN 70.3 Valencia, and secured 2nd place at the prestigious Challenge “The Championship” Samorin in 2024 and at Challenge Peguera Mallorca in 2023; Alina Khakimova (Uzbekistan), one of Uzbekistan’s leading triathletes, an active participant in international competitions, and winner of the 2024 Asia Triathlon Central Championships Burabay; Marta Lagownik (Poland); and Justine Guerard (France).
The Challenge Samarkand start list also featured Nicole Van Der Kaay (New Zealand) and Thomas Bishop (Great Britain), though they were unable to participate in the race.
Men’s Winners
In the men’s category, Norway’s Kristian Blummenfelt triumphed, finishing the Middle distance in 3:31:42. His compatriot Gustav Iden took second place with a time of 3:34:26, while Germany’s Rico Bogen finished third with a time of 3:35:35.
Women’s Winners
In the women’s category, Denmark’s Laura Madsen delivered a brilliant performance, finishing the race in 3:58:34. Following her were Poland’s Marta Lagownik (4:08:37) and France’s Justine Guerard (4:31:23).
Press Conference
Aside from the races, an important part of the event was the press conference, where triathlon stars such as Nicole Van Der Kaay, Alina Khakimova, Rico Bogen, Laura Madsen, Gustav Iden, and Kristian Blummenfelt shared their impressions of Samarkand and their mindset for the race. Their words inspired both participants and spectators to reach for new achievements!
Challenge Samarkand 2024 once again proved that Samarkand is where legends are born! This city has already become a key point on the world triathlon map, having previously hosted the Triathlon and Paratriathlon World Cup in May 2024. Want to be part of this sporting history? Challenge Samarkand returns on September 6-7, 2025! Registration is already open. Join us and feel the energy of ancient Samarkand, which will once again become the center of world triathlon.
See you at the start!
