Runners from the Zhetysu Region claimed both gold and silver in the men’s 5000m on the final day of the Kazakhstan Athletics Championships.
The men’s 5000m race took place on July 12 — the third and final day of the national championships held at the Olympic Training Centre stadium in Almaty Region.
One of the competitors, Aybol Omar of Zhetysu, had come agonisingly close to gold two days earlier in the 1500m, finishing second by just 0.11 seconds after a fierce sprint to the line. It was clear how disappointed he was — his goal had been nothing less than the national title.
On July 12, Aybol got his redemption. His victory in the 5000m was a powerful comeback, a personal triumph — a statement of intent. He clocked 15:04.01 to take gold.
Having just turned 20 in May, Omar now holds a national championship title. The next step for him will likely be improving his time to solidify his position as Kazakhstan’s best over this distance — and to start pushing toward internationally competitive marks.
The silver medal also went to Zhetysu Region, with Daniyar Ormangali finishing in 15:04.78. Bronze went to Rinat Kulygin from Zhambyl Region, who ran 15:17.86.
The race featured 14 athletes in total, representing the regions of Aktobe, Almaty, Atyrau, Zhetysu, as well as the cities of Astana, Almaty (with 4 runners), and Shymkent (2).
July 12 – Kazakhstan Athletics Championships. Men’s 5000m
- Aybol Omar (Zhetysu Region) – 15:04.01
- Daniyar Ormangali (Zhetysu Region) – 15:04.78
- Rinat Kulygin (Zhambyl Region) – 15:17.86
In the photo: Aybol Omar. Photo by Konstantin Knyazevich.
