14 Sep-16 Sep, 2019

Finished

14 Sep-16 Sep, 2019

Almaty region, KazakhstanTrail hike and run options

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FAQ 常見問題

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2019 Kazakhstan Action Asia 3-day Ultra Marathon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

The wildest experience, AAE has ever organized for a 3day events as there’s truly nothing. Zero electricity.

Note that this document has been produced to answer frequently asked questions and to help you best prepare for the Kazakhstan 3-day race.

In addition to this document, all participants should ensure that they read (prior to the race) all sections of the Kazakhstan event page; which is listed on the Action Asia Events website.

Event webpage link: http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/upcoming-events/2019-kazakhstan-action/overview.html#content

VISA

All runners should check with the Kazakhstan consulate website to see whether you need a visa to visit the country.

Kazakhstan consulate in Hong Kong: http://www.mfa.gov.kz/en/hongkong/content-view/tourism-b12

Countries do NOT need a VISA: http://mfa.gov.kz/files/5940dff8d0615.pdf

If you need a VISA to visit Kazakhstan, it’s very likely that you will need the VISA supporting document / invitation letter (LOi). Please email payment@actionasiaevents.com before June 1, 2019 of the LOi.

LOi can only be issued by organizations in Kazakhstan and it will take up to 14 working days to proceed including Migration department check. It costs USD55 per person (this LOi supporting letter fee including tax and admin charge from Kazakhstan agency.) Eligibility: If you plan to apply at Kazakhstan consulate in Hong Kong, you will need to be either a Hong Kong permanent identity card holder or have the Hong Kong working VISA.

What equipment should I bring?
Please refer to the list of equipment on the Action Asia Events – Kazakhstan event (equipment list) webpage - link below. Please ensure that you bring all of the MANDATORY items listed. The RECOMMENDED items are optional but as the name suggests, highly recommended (e.g. Gore-Tex jacket after you finish running as temperature may drop and can be very windy.).

Equipment list webpage: http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/upcoming-events/2019-kazakhstan-action/equipment-list.html#content

Note: If you are looking to purchase last-minute equipment, please head to Action X Store in Sheung Wan or Discovery Bay.

Is a sleeping bag compulsory/necessary or are there bed sheets?

It is compulsory all participants need to bring their own sleeping bag (10C rating). No pillow provided (please bring your own, or 2 shirts rolled up).

What will be the overnight temperature? What is the temperature at the start of the race in the morning and what is the approximate temperature at the hottest part of the day?

Past Weather in Almaty Link:

https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/kazakstan/almaty/historic?month=9&year=2018

Where can I find the trip itinerary?

Link: http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/upcoming-events/2019-kazakhstan-action/event-info.html#content

What is included and what isn’t include?
Please refer to the Action Asia Events – Kazakhstan event webpage, for a list of what is included and what isn’t included with the registration fees.

Link: http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/upcoming-events/2019-kazakhstan-action/entry-fees.html#content

What do I have to send to Action Asia Events pre-race?
Flight Information

For those that have already booked their flights, please email payment@actionasiaevents.com with your full flight details, inclusive of arrival and departure times and flight number.

Accommodation Preferences

If you know other people that are participating in the race, please email payment@actionasiaevents.com with your preferred person(s) who you would like to share accommodation with. Please note that traditional Kazak Yurt will be 5-6 people per yurt and the hotel accommodation will have 2 people per room.

What training should I be doing between now and the event?

The key is to log in as many training hours as possible!

Michael Maddess (Mongolia Race Director and renowned ultra-marathon runner) recommends that runners try to complete ‘Sandwich Training’. This type of training focuses on training over consecutive days.

So instead of training on alternate days (i.e. Monday, Wednesday and Friday) – like what most runners do - runners should focus on completing training on at least two back-to-back days. This way, your legs and body are better prepared for training on sore muscles and you’ll have some idea of what to expect and hopefully a few sessions on recovery. One good way of getting rid of the soreness in the muscles is too learn how to massage your legs with your elbows by pushing down on the sore areas and slowly rotating. Some runners like to use a wooden roll, others have brought a golf ball while some get their friends to help give them that extra touch. The idea is to get the lactic acid out of the muscles and be recovered by the following day.

When it’s close to the event, an hour / day walking or running. Recommend foot & body massage 4-5 days before the event, as if you find some issues, you can go back again to work on it before the event.

What kind of terrain will we be running across?

Dry soft rocky, canyons with open grass steppes. It’s important to respect the rabbit/marmot holes as best to spend a few seconds trying to walk around their homes.

Do I need a specific pair of hiking or trail running shoes?

Trail shoes with good grip are recommended. If you need to purchase new shoes, we recommend Action X Store in Sheung Wan. Participants are entitled 10%-20% on different items but must tell store as the staff there has a list to check.

Note: The Race Director advises all participants to NOT use a piece of clothing or equipment for the first time in Kazakhstan. You should try that clothing/equipment first on some training runs. Ideally multiple times.

Are there dietary options for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, there are vegan and vegetarian options. FYI, the Race Director is also vegetarian.

What food is provided?

	13 Sept (Fri)	14 Sept (Sat)	15 Sept (Sun)	16 Sept (Mon)	17 Sept (Tue)
Breakfast		Y	Y	Y	Y
Lunch		Y	Y	Y
Dinner	Y	Y	Y	Y*

*Awards ceremony

No alcohol is provided (it may be purchased, but limited)

Where should I meet the group if I am not taking the group flight (13 Sept, Flight no. KC930, ETA 14:40)?

Bus transportation from Almaty international airport at 3:00pm airport (Will leave after direct flight from Hong Kong arrives If arrive earlier runners must make their own way to airport international arrival hall and see staff and buses with AAE signs).

Where will we have dinner on 13 Sept and would we have a chance to buy fruit in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan style dinner provided at small town after driving est. 1.5hr from the airport. Next to the dinner place, opportunities to buy fruit & vegetables from the street market.

Can I leave my luggage at the hotel and collect it after the race?

If you stay at the official hotel before the race, yes. Please email us at payment@actionasiaevents.com 5 days before the race so we can make arrangements.

What is provided at the checkpoints?
Water, bananas, oranges and watermelon (could change depending on the season) are provided at each checkpoint.

As listed on the Equipment List section of the Kazakhstan Event page, participants are encouraged to bring snacks (nuts, trail mix, gels, energy bars etc.) for pre-race, during the race and/or post-race. Just please don’t leave empty wrappers on the course as we want to leave the location spotlessly clean and not upset the locals.

You are recommended to bring electrolyzed tablets (available at Action X Store). Tablets are the easiest to use. The majority of participants use them as they are easy to store in front pockets.

How often (km) are the checkpoints?
A checkpoint will be once every 10km (approx.). Total 3 checkpoints every day.

How is the course marked?
The course will be marked with colored orange and pink ribbons for different distance and AAE signage. The Race Director will advise this at the race briefing on the night prior to each race (race day 1 morning before the race if flight is delayed).

How often will there be signage / ribbons?
Approximately every 100m unless very tight sections where there will more ribbons at a higher frequency. Please listen to the race briefing every night before the race to see if any changes to this.

Is there electricity to charge phones, GPS watch etc.
Definitely no. No telephone reception and internet. Please bring your own charger. (No social media is available so we usually have a record amount of communication between participants at this location because everybody was forced to talk to each other.

Is there hot water for shower?
No. Yurt camp has large barrels for you to rinse yourself. A large well is nearby.

What are the sleeping arrangements like? I.e. how many beds per room?
First 3 Nights – 5-6 people per traditional Kazak Yurt (same camp for 3 nights), Kazak style yurt is approx. 5 meters wide with one cushion the floor.
Night 4 – The hotel has two beds.

If you have not yet submitted your room requests, please do so now by emailing Jojo at payment@actionasiaevents.com.

What is the elevation of the yurt camp?

1040m

Are there a bar/drinks for sale?

There is alcohol available for purchase on all nights of the race. You can buy beer or coke at Yurt venue at est. USD 5 per beer. USD is acceptable but please bring small denomination. Bring lots of ones and fives.

How much should we budget for?

The budget amount depends on each individual participant. I.e. how much food or drinks they will purchase on each day.

How much KZT should we budget to bring?

Each day 100 USD = KZT 35,000 should be enough unless you are a heavy drinker/eater…. or like treating your friends.

What is the elevation gain and loss each day?

A rough idea on the course would be: 700m – 1000m each day

Ultra marathon category (total 100 km over 3 days):
Day 1 - 40 km (1000m - 1500m - 950m - 1000m)

Day 2 - 40 km (1000m – 860m - 920m - 860m - 1000m)

Day 3 - 20 km (1000m – 1100m – 900m - 1000m)

Explorer category - good for hiking (total 60 km over 3 days):
Day 1 - 20 km (1000m - 1500m - 1000m)

Day 2 - 20 km (1000m – 860m - 920m - 1000m)

Day 3 - 20 km (1000m – 1100m – 1000m)