While Tbilisi offers views of the city and the Kura River, it can also be explored nontraditionally through the various trail runs that are interwoven throughout the capital.
Full of green spaces, hills, and trees, Tbilisi offers numerous paths in the different districts that range from all experience levels. Davit Jughashvili, founder and a shareholder of TrailLab, defines trail running as anything that is not run on pavement, including a dirt road, single trail, or anything off the beaten path. The main aspect is that it is a path in a natural landscape, which according to him, Tbilisi has plenty to offer.
“Georgia is a unique place in that sense. Even if you live in the city center, you can easily start a trail run with a five-minute drive or walk from your house, because it’s so hilly,” Jughashvili tells us. “We also have the greater Caucasus and a lot of hills, mountains, various landscapes, and terrains, so Georgia is a very good place for trail running.”
TrailLab is a Georgian business that has been operating for the last 15 years. Jughashvili explained to GEORGIA TODAY that he and the founders started as trail runners, competing in races across Georgia and in other countries. Each year, TrailLab holds numerous races based in Tbilisi for anyone to participate in, and, once a year, holds the Kazbegi Marathon in the mountains.
Established in 2010, Jughashvili said the Kazbegi Marathon was the only race in Georgia, so when the previous owners decided to quit, the current founders collected qualifications to organize the race themselves. In 2019, the team started conducting semi-official races, then in 2020, official races were initiated or which they were able to sell tickets and allow international certifications. Now, TrailLab has annual races throughout the year, including the Tbilisi Adventure Run, the Lisi Trail Festival, the Tbilisi Hills Trail Race, and the Kazbegi Marathon.
According to Jughashvili, the trails in Tbilisi are run almost daily, and are kept consistent so people are familiar with the paths and that course records and statistics stay aligned. All trails that are used for the races are constructed by TrailLab with a specific outlook in mind.
“We design them from a trail runner perspective, so they are interesting, challenging, and sometimes tough. Also, we have to keep logistics in mind, for health and safety,” Jughashvili says.
The Kazbegi Marathon took place on August 11, with around 450 participants from over 30 countries. Jughashvili tells us that the marathon is broken down into four races, so the runners can choose based on their experience level. It includes the ‘Kazbegi Extreme’ with 30 kilometers and a 2100-meter plus elevation gain, the ‘Kazbegi Skyrace’ with 15 kilometers and a 1300-meter plus elevation gain, the ‘Kazbegi Trail’ with 10 kilometers and a 900-meter plus elevation gain, and lastly the ‘Kazbegi Fun Run’ for children and enthusiasts of 4 kilometers and a 300-meter plus elevation gain.
Anyone can compete in the races, Jughashvili says, aside from the ‘Kazbegi Extreme,’ which requires a background check due to the need to cross glaciers, climb extreme heights above sea level, and the constant change in terrain, including snow, ice, and grass.
Many local runners and expats living in Georgia take part in these races. Jughashvili says there are a handful of runners, especially from Europe and the Middle East, who know about the Kazbegi Marathon, because it’s the oldest race in Georgia. Additionally, there are several running clubs in the country that host informal runs for people to have fun and learn about upcoming events and races.
The Tbilisi Running Club hosts week-long events for those looking to run while bonding with others. According to their social media pages, they do sunrise runs near Lisi Lake, trails around Turtle Lake, and midnight runs, and sometimes the runs are paired with post food or drinks. ‘Madloba,’ a website platform that provides information about Georgian cities, wrote that the Tbilisi Running Club aims to help people stay in shape while having fun at the same time.
“Our activities include weekly workouts, running events, and races of varying difficulty,” the Madloba team write on their webpage. “We believe in the power of friendship and mutual support, so in our club, you will find like-minded people who will help you achieve your goals. You will not only improve your physical fitness, but also expand your social circle and create unforgettable memories.”
The last race of the year co-hosted by TrailLab and the Tbilisi Hills Golf & Residences is the Tbilisi Hills Trail Race on November 3, 2024, with three races consisting of 9, 14, and 18 miles. Jughashvili says the trails will cross over a river and a valley of red and yellow cacti, a unique sight in the capital.
Other races this year include the Tbilisi Marathon on September 22, an internationally certified road race where thousands gather to run through the capital. It will offer a half-marathon run with 1000 spots, a 10-kilometer run with 2000 spots, and two kid-friendly runs with 250 spots each. Jughashvili notes that running outside allows you to discover more than the average person who walks the city.
“Nothing against conventional running, but running in nature is much better. You see the view and enjoy the landscape. It’s a healthy way of living, and you can find places where you haven’t been,” he says. “A lot of citizens of Tbilisi and guests who are familiar with the city think they know Tbilisi well, but they do not know how many trails and interesting places are around it.”
By Shelbi R. Ankiewicz
