Marathon Brings Joy and Environmental Concerns in Kazakhstan

A local marathon in Kazakhstan provided a heartwarming moment for one family, but also highlighted a less positive aspect of the event. Irina Poleva, a mother from Kazakhstan, filmed her son participating in the Astuz-Irgiz marathon. She described the experience as "very emotional," adding, "It's my son's first marathon, and I'm so proud of him." However, Ms. Poleva's video also drew attention to the significant amount of litter left behind by participants, specifically numerous disposable cups scattered along the course. Although volunteers provided water, the disposal of the cups created a considerable amount of waste. The video serves as a reminder of the environmental impact of large-scale events and the need for better waste management practices. The marathon organizers could consider providing reusable cups or improving recycling efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of future events.