On April 12, Bishkek hosted the annual BAKAI Jaz Demi spring half-marathon and this year's edition broke every record, bringing together 5,000 runners and 2,000 guests from Kyrgyzstan and neighboring countries.

Now in its eighth year, the event continues to grow under BAKAI's sponsorship, uniting people around a shared commitment to movement, health, and personal development.

BAKAI Jaz Demi has become one of spring's most anticipated sporting events. Participants chose from distances of 5K, 10K, and 21.1K, with a dedicated children's race running alongside. This year's edition introduced a distinct creative concept - a contemporary take on Kyrgyz ethnic heritage interpreted through the lens of modern sport.

At the opening ceremony, BAKAI Head of Marketing Aidai Mokusheva spoke about what the event has come to mean for the city:

"The people here today aren't just runners - they're people who choose movement, energy, and life itself. In moments like this, you realize: you've already won, because you showed up."

BAKAI described its continued support of the event as an expression of the brand's broader values: "We want to be present in our clients' lives - not just their finances. BAKAI Jaz Demi is about the energy of this city, its people, and being fully in the moment."

The send-off was simple: enjoy the distance, and give the day everything you've got.

"Run not for the result - run for yourself."

The Interactive BAKAI Zone: Where the Action Was

The BAKAI activation area drew steady crowds throughout the day, showcasing the full BAKAI ecosystem. Visitors could explore BAKAI's products - and actually have fun doing it.

• Visitors could sign up for a card and activate BAKAI Pay stickers
• Get advice from specialists
• Take photos at the branded photo booth
• Take part in giveaways and interactive challenges - including trying to pull a gold bar from a glass case, cracking a vault, and catching cash in a money whirlwind.

Winners collected game coins redeemable for prizes at the BAKAI Store.

BAKAI has a consistent record of backing initiatives that bring people together and advance a culture of sport across the country.

BAKAI Jaz Demi is one of several sporting events the bank supports across the country. Earlier this year, BAKAI backed the inaugural VISA Duathlon Osh-2026 in the city of Osh - the first competition of its kind held there.

BAKAI continues to invest in sport as a platform for community, growth, and an active way of life in Kyrgyzstan.