On February 14, 2026, the annual sporting event «Burabay Ice 2026» will take place on the frozen surface of Lake Burabay, located within the Shchuchinsk–Burabay Resort Area of the Burabay District, Akmola Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.

The event is held with the support of the Tourism Department of the Akmola Region as part of efforts to develop event tourism, promote an active and healthy lifestyle, and showcase the tourism potential of the Burabay Resort as a year-round tourist destination.

«Burabay Ice 2026» is a unique sporting project — an ice run across a frozen lake within a national natural park, with no analogues in global practice. The competition format combines athletic performance with the region’s natural landscape, contributing to the positive image of the Akmola Region at both national and international levels. The main organizer of the event is the «Extreme Athletics» Public Association.

More than 1,000 athletes, including participants from abroad, are expected to take part in the race. This highlights the international status of the event and reflects the growing interest in winter running disciplines in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The organization of Burabay Ice 2026 is part of the systematic work of the Tourism Department of the Akmola Region aimed at developing event-based activities, increasing the region’s tourism attractiveness, and creating a comfortable environment for active recreation during the winter season.

Race Format

Participants will be offered the following distances:

• Snowstorm — 7 km
• Nordic Storm — 7 km
• Blizzard — 14 km
• White-Out — 21 km

The distances are designed for athletes with varying levels of preparation. The course will run along the flat ice surface of the lake with minimal elevation changes, ensuring accessibility and safety for all participants.

Event Schedule

• 09:30 — Opening of the start village
• 09:30 – 14:00 — Bag storage service
• 10:45 — Welcome address and general warm-up
• 11:00 — Start of the White-Out 21 km race
• 11:10 — Start of the Blizzard 14 km race
• 11:20 — Start of the Snowstorm 7 km race
• 11:25 — Start of the Nordic Storm 7 km race
• 13:30 — Award ceremony
• 14:00 — Event conclusion

To participate in the race, advance registration is required on the official event website: https://athletex.kz/competitions/burabice26 

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-tourism/press/news/details/1150371?lang=kk