Wayne Cassidy's Tajik Mountain Traverse is an awesome sounding race that takes place in the Mountains of Tajikistan. It offers runners a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. The race is designed to challenge endurance athletes and immerse them in the culture of the Tajik people.

"The Tajik people are just some of the warmest, most hospitable people," Wayne shares. "Strangers will be inviting you to come in for tea. That’s just an amazing experience to have." The event takes runners through an environment steeped in history, from the ancient Silk Road to the footsteps of explorers like Alexander the Great and Marco Polo​.

The nine-day format is a blend of adventure and cultural exploration, with participants dealing with high altitude mountain passes and enjoying stunning turquoise lakes. Wayne describes it as a beautiful and majestic place. It’s clear that the location is one he loves and a key feature that sets this race apart​.

Wayne hopes to see growing participation in the future, with the aim of including more and more athletes from around the world, all drawn to this hidden gem in Central Asia. The race already garners interest from international runners, with the goal of creating a community that shares both the passion for endurance sports and an appreciation for the unique cultural heritage of Tajikistan​​.

It was awesome to have Wayne on and learn more about this place and his race! Chantelle and I enjoyed it thoroughly, and you can even catch an article that Chantelle has prepared in the next edition of Canadian Running Magazine!

What do you think of the race? Is it something you’d want to check out? Let us know what you think!

Did you catch The Long Run before this episode? If not, here it is so you can stay up to date!

Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe