How to Go Running in Ashgabat: A Practical Guide for Travellers visiting Ashgabat

Ben Crowley

Dec. 12, 2025

Running in Ashgabat is an unusual, unique and a slightly unnerving experience. The Turkmenistan capital, famous for its white marble architecture and immaculate wide streets, is one of the cleanest and flattest cities in Central Asia. While the people of Turkmenistan are not traditionally into running, the activity, as well as sport in general, is gaining popularity.

The main challenges are the extreme heat, limited public exercise culture, and restrictions around government zones. But for those living or visiting on an organised trip, there are safe, scenic, and surprisingly peaceful places to lace up your shoes. Just be prepared for stares, lots of stares.

Running Culture in Ashgabat

Despite sport and fitness being promoted by the government — with large stadiums, public gyms, and annual sporting events — recreational running outdoors remains uncommon. Locals typically exercise in controlled environments such as sports complexes or school tracks.

Because of this, the sight of someone running through the streets, especially a foreigner, often attracts curious stares. Don’t be alarmed — people aren’t hostile, just surprised. Many will smile or watch you pass. Over time, morning joggers and expatriates have become more visible, but it’s still not a common sight outside stadiums or parks.

Where to Run in Ashgabat

1. Kopetdag Stadium (Köpetdag Stadiony)

Located in central Ashgabat, Kopetdag Stadium is the oldest of Ashgabat’s main sporting stadiums.  Kopetdag Stadium offers the most suitable surface for serious running. The synthetic track is well-maintained and used by local athletes and football clubs. Access varies — sometimes open early mornings and evenings when no events are scheduled.

This is the ideal spot for interval training, speed sessions, or simply running laps in a controlled, traffic-free setting. Always approach staff politely if you’re unsure about access; friendliness and courtesy go a long way here.

Pros: Professional surface, safe, clean
Cons: Restricted access at times, no shade
Best time: Sunrise or sunset

2. Olympic Park

Built for the 2017 5 ^th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, the Ashgabat Olympic park hosts not only the largest structure in the shape of a horse in the world, but also the most modern sport facilities in all of Turkmenistan.

There are multiple outdoor athletics facilities which host local sporting organisations. Technically, it is not open to the general public, however it is possible to walk in and train with local runners. Unfortunately, it won’t be possible to enter the Olympic Stadium itself, but the train facilities in the complex are second to none.

Pros: Professional Olympic standard training facilities
Cons: Restricted access at times, limited shade
Best time: Weeknight evenings

3. Independence Park and Neutrality Arch Area

If you prefer a sightseeing run through the monumental heart of the city, Independence Park (Bitaraplyk seýilgähi) and the area around the Arch of Neutrality are the best options. The paths are broad, smooth, and lined with marble monuments and fountains.

It’s a surreal experience running here in the golden light of early morning — the streets are quiet, and the white marble glows under the desert sun. Just remember to avoid running too close to government buildings or official compounds. Security guards may question anyone lingering or taking photos.

Route tip: A loop from the Neutrality Arch through Independence Park and back covers roughly 5–6 km on flat terrain.

Pros: Scenic, wide boulevards, minimal traffic
Cons: Limited shade, security sensitivity near monuments
Best time: Early morning

4. Ak Altyn and Old Ashgabat

The older, greener area of Old Ashgabat, particularly around the Ak Altyn Hotel, Magtymguly Avenue, and Gorogly Street, offers a more comfortable and shaded environment for relaxed runs.

This is the most popular running zone among local fitness enthusiasts and younger people. In the evenings, small groups jog around the park near the hotel, and the tree-lined streets make for a gentler, cooler atmosphere. You can easily extend your route through the nearby neighbourhoods for longer, quieter runs.

Pros: Shady, relaxed atmosphere, near hotels
Cons: Uneven pavements in places, more traffic at rush hour
Best time: Early morning or 5–9 p.m.

5. Western Foothills (toward Nisa)

For a more natural setting, head toward the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains (not to be confused with the stadium), near the ancient Nisa fortress. The terrain here gently rises, offering a rare chance for hill work and stunning views of Ashgabat’s skyline from the west.

This area is less urban, so it’s best if you have private transport or a guide. Some embassy staff and long-term expatriates use the area for weekend long runs or hikes.

You’ll also need to be careful in this area as you may find yourself near a military base or the Presidential compound.

Pros: Fresh air, scenery, light elevation
Cons: Requires transport, no shade or shops nearby
Best time: Early morning

Running Routes in Ashgabat Quick Reference Guide:

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If you're looking for more in-depth travel information on Turkmenistan check out our destination guide here.