On September 12–13, Samarkand once again became a meeting point for triathletes from around the world. For the fourth year, Challenge Samarkand brought together more than 1,400 athletes from over 40 countries in the heart of Central Asia.

The event was made possible by the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, dozens of organizations and government agencies responsible for safety and logistics, around 60 World Triathlon Level 1 certified officials, and the local organizing team at the Uzbekistan Triathlon Federation.

The program included:

-       PRO athletes racing the Middle distance

-       Age-group athletes competing in the Sprint and Middle distances

-       Kids’ and Women’s Runs

-       The Open Uzbekistan Triathlon Championship

Race distances:

Middle: 1.9 km swim, 88 km bike, 21.5 km run

Sprint: 750 m swim, 19 km bike, 5 km run

PRO Winners

Men:
🥇 Sam Laidlow (France)
🥈 Emil Holm (Denmark)
🥉 Will Draper (United Kingdom)

Women:
🥇 Natalie van Coevorden (Australia)
🥈 Daisy Davies (United Kingdom)
🥉 Sara Pérez Sala (Spain)

Kamran Khodjaev’s PRO Debut 🇺🇿

Kamran Khodjaev, a young and promising athlete from the Uzbekistan National Triathlon Team, made his PRO debut in the Middle distance.

It was Kamran’s first time racing at this distance, and he delivered an impressive performance on home soil. A fantastic start to his PRO career!

Uzbekistan Triathlon Championship

Elite Men:
🥇 Kamran Khodjaev
🥈 Mukhammad Yusuf Abdukhalilov
🥉 Sultan Aliev

Elite Women:
🥇 Dayana Lukiyenko
🥈 Dilnura Kholniyozova
🥉 Shakhribonu Absaliмova

What the Athletes Had to Say

Athletes praised the high level of organization, the unique course winding through Samarkand, the warm hospitality, and the incredible beauty of the ancient city.

The race was held to the highest standards and left a lasting impression on athletes and guests alike. Many participants are already planning their return to Uzbekistan.

And Samarkand will once again open its doors for Challenge Samarkand on August 21–22, 2027. We’ll see you there! 🔥