4,000 kilometers of a record distance has already been covered by the elderly traveler Sarsenbai Kotyrashov. At 72, he is full of energy and strength, and is determined to travel the same distance on foot. Tomorrow the hiker is planning to leave the capital, since he has a lot of interesting meetings ahead. The pensioner has been planning this long-distance walking marathon for six years. Kotyrashov’s goal is to introduce his native land Ulytau, which is Kazakhstan’s historical and geographical center, to the fellow travelers he meets on his way. The traveler also wants to compile a list of national craftspeople and revive the long-forgotten holiday ‘Kymyz Meiramy’. The Kazakh traveler plans to complete the walking marathon in autumn, when he reaches the final destination of the route, Mangystau. Kotyrashov also dreams of making a walking pilgrimage to Mecca in the future.
“They say, no pain - no gain. I’m afraid if I start talking about the difficulties I faced on my way, one day wouldn’t be enough. Of course, there were times when the cart broke, and the wheels and my shoes were worn out. It doesn’t matter whether I was tired or not. I think if you have good health and people’s support, then you can do it. I’d also like to walk to Mecca and perform the Hajj, as well as to travel around the world, telling everyone about my nation, country and our history,” the traveler said.
