Meeting point: The heart of the Silk Road, Samarkand

Goal: The legendary fortress ruins of Alexander the Great in Nurata - and beyond, to the timeless city of Bukhara.

We didn't think it would happen - and yet, against all odds, here we are again.

In the heart of the Silk Road, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the second edition of GlobalLimits Uzbekistan – Footsteps of Alexander the Great - begins.

The journey here was anything but certain. As conflict reshaped flight paths across the Middle East, plans unraveled, and last-minute cancellations became the norm. But with determination - step by step, mile by mile, we found a way to arrive.

Now, runners from 18 countries stand united in this ancient, ever-changing city, ready to face a 230 km, six-stage odyssey.

In the days ahead, they will cross vast, unforgiving steppe — with only wild horses, goats, tortoises, and sheep as silent witnesses. Beneath endless, star-filled skies, strangers become companions, bound by exhaustion, resilience, and a shared purpose: to reach the finish line at the ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress in Nurata, beside its renowned holy spring — and finally to rest and celebrate in the ancient hammam of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bukhara.

Only a few have chosen to experience this land the GlobalLimits way — on foot, exposed to every challenge, every emotion.

This is the beginning of a journey they will never forget.

We salute every participant for daring to start - and wish them strength for everything that lies ahead.

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Who to watch?

Seven runners have qualified to receive the prestigious GlobalLimits Heritage Site Runner Series Award, having successfully completed at least three GlobalLimits races in different spectacular locations - such as the Peaks of the Balkans, Cambodia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Bhutan... and beyond.

Stay tuned...