Chisinau Marathon 2024

Sunday September 29th 2024 I ran the Chisinau Marathon in Moldova. Find below my full race coverage from this marathon and a few tourist impressions from Chisinau.

Chisinau City
I enjoyed half a weekend in Chisinau, Moldova, and had some nice walks in the beautiful city parks alongside passing various landmarks, notably the Cathedral, the Triumph Arc and such near the major streets and restaurant areas. However, I will mostly remember Chisinau for the chessplayers at one of the central squares, I spend a lot of time with them, firstly beating them up Saturday night, secondly taking the punches myself Sunday, this to the now 5 time city champion (!), Artiom Ghidicov of Moldova. It is unfortunately rare to find chess in the streets anywhere now, so a very nice asset of Chisinau indeed.

Chisinau Marathon 2024 (Moldova) - Tor Rønnow

Chisinau Marathon 2024
The event carried a multitude of distances: marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, fun run 1.5K, kids “marathon (400-2000m), roller marathon, the latter causing some concerns of safety on the race day as the rollers were on the route together with everybody else. Anyways, it was a fine event, the full marathon took 4 rounds including a nasty incline on the highway. So despite a principally easy route the course combined with the increasing temperatures throughout the morning the tasks of the day somehow drained your energy, this could be seen on almost all the marathoneers on the final round.
A special congratulations to fellow Marathon Globetrotter Muantawan Pei Arsrairas for completing her marathon country no. 100 this Sunday in Moldova, hats off for an impressive “career”.

Chisinau Marathon 2024 (Moldova) - Tor Rønnow

See or relive the Chisinau Marathon 2024 here (and in Romanian and Russian)

Chisinau Marathon 2024 – billeder/fotos af Tor Rønnow (Danish)
Chisinau Marathon 2024 – bilder av Tor Rønnow (Svenska)
Chisinau Marathon 2024 – bilder von Tor Rønnow (Deutsch)
Chisinau Marathon 2024 – pictures by Tor Rønnow (English)
2024 年基希訥烏馬拉松 – 圖片/照片由 Tor Rønnow(中文)提供
キシナウマラソン 2024 – 画像/写真 by Tor Rønnow (日本語)
Chisinau Marathon 2024 – photos de Tor Rønnow (Français)
Chisinau Marathon 2024 – foto di Tor Rønnow (Italiano)
Chisinau Marathon 2024 – fotos del Tor Rønnow (Español)
Chisinau Marathon 2024 – beelden van Tor Rønnow (Nederlandse)

Turkmenistan Challenge 2024

Sunday Octoberber 27th 2024 I ran the Ashgabat Marathon in Turkmenistan. Find below my full race coverage from this marathon and a few tourist impressions from the white city of Ashgabat.

Ashgabat
Ashgabat is the capital of Turkmenistan and a city build in white marble! I missed the city tour Saturday (flight delay from Copenhagen) but managed Sunday to see the Old Nisa, the Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque and the Turkmen State Circus, including the fameous horses of Turkmenistan. The report carries, though, a number of pictures from prominent landmarks in Ashgabat, kindly lend to me by the other runners. We can say for sure: you will not find anything like Ashgabat anywhere in the world! All the cars are white and the impressively well-gardened streets and sights are – empty!

Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 - Tor Rønnow

Ashgabat Marathon 2024
This is from my Facebook post on the topic: “So, my trip was destroyed by a plane delay Friday night, so I missed the whole first day in the “white city”, Ashgabat. Boarded on the evening plane then from Istanbul Saturday, landing 03.00 AM local time in Adhgabat, then 1.5 hours very slow visa procedure, at the hotel at 05.00 AM Sunday morning, 22 hours later than planned. The marathon started Sunday at 06.00 AM (!!!). I somehow managed to put a mental approach together, perhaps in defiance of all the troubles, and let the body go. Losing 15 mins underway to toilet procedures, I booked 5.06 on a route measured a tad long, 43,7 km on my Garmin.”

Ashgabat Marathon - Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 - Tor Rønnow

Gates of Hell 10K
Monday, the day after the marathon, we drove 274 km out of Ashgabat to run a 10K race at the Gates of Hell, the Darvaza gas crater that puts up a spectacular sight at night time, looking like Mordor from the Lords of the Rings. It was great fun to run in the desert sand and a truly unique experience to see the crater glowing up in the dark.

Gates of Hell 10K - Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 - Tor Rønnow

See or relive the Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 here (and in Turkmen and Russian)

Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 2024- billeder/fotos af Tor Rønnow (Danish)
Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 2024- bilder av Tor Rønnow (Svenska)
Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 2024- bilder von Tor Rønnow (Deutsch)
Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 2024- pictures by Tor Rønnow (English)
土庫曼斯坦挑戰賽 2024 2024 – 圖片/照片由 Tor Rønnow(中文)提供
トルクメニスタン チャレンジ 2024 2024 – 画像/写真 by Tor Rønnow (日本語)
Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 2024- photos de Tor Rønnow (Français)
Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 2024- foto di Tor Rønnow (Italiano)
Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 2024- fotos del Tor Rønnow (Español)
Turkmenistan Challenge 2024 2024- beelden van Tor Rønnow (Nederlandse)

Rustavi Park Marathon 2024 (Georgia)

Friday September 20th 2024 I ran the Rustavi Park Marathon in Tbilisi, Georgia. Find below my full race coverage from this marathon and a few tourist impressions from Tbilisi.

Tbilisi City
During our short stay, we managed to visit landmarks like the Metekhi Virgin Mary Assumption Church, the Europe Square, the Tbilisi Old Town including the odd Clock Tower, the Anchiskhati Basilica (oldest building in Tbilisi) and the funnyTamada (Toastmaster) Statue. However, the for sure most memorable Tbilisi-“moment” was our delightful drop-in at the Sulphur Bath including a good full-body Scrub and relaxing the legs after the marathon in Baku Monday (the day before our Tbilisi round tour).

Rustavi Park Marathon 2024 (Georgia) - Tor Rønnow

Rustavi Park Marathon 2024
This Marathon was the third and last in three in the series “Caucasus Challenge 2024” organized by Z Adventures. The route was an easy loop around the Lake in Rustavi Park, a tad outsite Tbilisi. I think all the runners stepped up their game to make a united strong performance on a flat, easy course bringing home the proud completion of the Caucasus Challenge 2024, which called for beers and celebration.

Rustavi Park Marathon 2024 (Georgia) - Caucasus Challenge 2024 - Tor Rønnow

See or relive the Rustavi Park Marathon 2024 here (and in Georgian and Russian)

Rustavi Park Marathon Georgia 2024- billeder/fotos af Tor Rønnow (Danish)
Rustavi Park Marathon Georgia 2024- bilder av Tor Rønnow (Svenska)
Rustavi Park Marathon Georgia 2024- bilder von Tor Rønnow (Deutsch)
Rustavi Park Marathon Georgia 2024- pictures by Tor Rønnow (English)
2024 年喬治亞魯斯塔維公園馬拉松賽 – 圖片/照片由 Tor Rønnow(中文)提供
ルスタビ パーク マラソン ジョージア 2024 – 画像/写真 by Tor Rønnow (日本語)
Rustavi Park Marathon Georgia 2024- photos de Tor Rønnow (Français)
Rustavi Park Marathon Georgia 2024- foto di Tor Rønnow (Italiano)
Rustavi Park Marathon Georgia 2024- fotos del Tor Rønnow (Español)
Rustavi Park Marathon Georgia 2024- beelden van Tor Rønnow (Nederlandse)

Lake Vardavar Marathon 2024 (Armenia)

Wednesday September 18th 2024 I ran the Lake Vardavar Marathon in Armenia. Find below my full race coverage from this marathon and a few tourist impressions from Yerevan.

Yerevan City
Coming from Baku (Azerbaijan), Yerevan was quite a depressing deal: dirty, poor, colourless. We did see – or pass in the bus – a few landmarks like the History Museum of Armenia at the Republic Square, the Alexander Myasnikyan statue and a few cathedrals, and yes, we did have regular stops at the
Armenian Genocide Memorial complex, at the Noy Yerevan Ararat Brandy Factory and at the ”GUM” Market. However, whar we will remember 10 years from now is the post-race dinner Wednesday evening inside the Sharambeyan Museum of Folk Art and the intimate folk music concert performed to us by two skillful artists (beautiful women as well, in traditional Armenian dresses).

Lake Vardavar Marathon 2024 (Armenia) - Tor Rønnow

Lake Vardavar Marathon 2024
This Marathon was the second of three in the series “Caucasus Challenge 2024” organized by Z Adventures. The route was an easy loop around the Lake Vardavar in Yerevan. We enjoyed a nice view to the impressive Mount Ararat (3896 m) in the horisont.

Lake Vardavar Marathon 2024 (Armenia) - Caucasus Challenge 2024 - Tor Rønnow

See or relive the Lake Vardavar Marathon 2024 here (and in Armenian and Russian)

Lake Vardavar Marathon Armenia 2024- billeder/fotos af Tor Rønnow (Danish)
Lake Vardavar Marathon Armenia 2024- bilder av Tor Rønnow (Svenska)
Lake Vardavar Marathon Armenia 2024- bilder von Tor Rønnow (Deutsch)
Lake Vardavar Marathon Armenia 2024- pictures by Tor Rønnow (English)
2024 年亞美尼亞瓦爾達瓦爾湖馬拉松 – 圖片/照片由 Tor Rønnow(中文)提供
バルダバル湖マラソン アルメニア 2024 – 画像/写真 by Tor Rønnow (日本語)
Lake Vardavar Marathon Armenia 2024- photos de Tor Rønnow (Français)
Lake Vardavar Marathon Armenia 2024- foto di Tor Rønnow (Italiano)
Lake Vardavar Marathon Armenia 2024- fotos del Tor Rønnow (Español)
Lake Vardavar Marathon Armenia 2024- beelden van Tor Rønnow (Nederlandse)

Baku Waterfront Marathon 2024

Monday September 16th 2024 I ran the Baku Waterfront Marathon in Azerbaijan. Find below my full race coverage from this marathon and some tourist impressions from the impressive city of Baku.

Baku City, incl. the Flame Towers
During our visit to Baku, we had the chance to experience a fascinating blend of modernity and history. The city’s skyline is incredibly unique, and we began our adventure by catching a glimpse of the Formula 1 race. The energy around the track was exhilarating—the sound of the engines roaring through the streets was unlike anything we had ever heard. Watching the cars zip past the city’s landmarks, it felt like the entire city was buzzing with excitement.

Afterward, we wandered into the Old City, or Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through the narrow, cobbled streets felt like stepping back in time. The ancient walls, charming courtyards, and historic buildings told stories of centuries past. We couldn’t help but feel awe-struck by the contrast between this part of Baku and the ultra-modern developments that surround it.

As night fell, we made our way to the iconic Flame Towers, which lit up the skyline with their dazzling lights. Watching them flicker like flames in the dark was mesmerizing, and they seemed to perfectly symbolize Baku’s modern spirit. The view of the towers against the night sky was unforgettable.

The highlight of our visit, however, was the trip to the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the famous Iranian architect Zaha Hadid. The building is absolutely stunning, with its flowing, organic curves and futuristic design. It almost looks like it’s in motion, even though it’s made of solid materials. Walking inside was like entering a work of art, and the interior was just as impressive, with sleek, modern exhibits that perfectly complement the architecture. We were in awe of how one structure could blend so seamlessly with its surroundings while being so bold and striking.

Baku truly left an impression on us—it’s a city where tradition meets innovation in the most spectacular way. And the food is awesome!

Baku Waterfront Marathon 2024 - Tor Rønnow - Heydar Aliyev Center

Baku Waterfront Marathon 2024
This Marathon was the first of three in the series “Caucasus Challenge 2024” organized by Z Adventures. The route was an easy 2.1 km out-back loop and the only and foremost struggle of the day was: the extreme heat (up to 27 C) and direct sun exposure. We enjoyed a nice view to the Casperian Sea and to Baku City in the horisont.

Baku Waterfront Marathon 2024 (Azerbaijan) - Caucasus Challenge 2024 - Tor Rønnow

See or relive the Baku Waterfront Marathon 2024 here (and in Azerbaijani and Russian)

Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – billeder/fotos af Tor Rønnow (Danish)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – bilder av Tor Rønnow (Svenska)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – bilder von Tor Rønnow (Deutsch)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – pictures by Tor Rønnow (English)
2024 年阿塞拜疆巴庫海濱馬拉松 – 圖片/照片由 Tor Rønnow(中文)提供
バクー・ウォーターフロント・マラソン・アゼルバイジャン 2024 – 画像/写真 by Tor Rønnow (日本語)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – photos de Tor Rønnow (Français)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – foto di Tor Rønnow (Italiano)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – fotos del Tor Rønnow (Español)
Baku Waterfront Marathon Azerbaijan 2024 – beelden van Tor Rønnow (Nederlandse)