World record: Italian explains why Almaty is “perfect for running”
Tengrinews.kz – Italian runner Roberto De Lorenzo plans to become the first person in history to complete a run in every country in the world. The 72nd point on his route was Almaty. Here’s why the athlete spent two days on the road just to reach Kazakhstan’s largest city, and how he rated its running infrastructure.
About the project
Italian Roberto De Lorenzo works at the front desk of a five-star hotel in Florence, but devotes his free time to something not everyone would dare to attempt. His goal is to become the first person to have gone for a run in every country in the world. In 2025, Kazakhstan became one of those countries.
For Roberto, running is neither a way to burn calories nor a chase for medals. He admits that his love for movement has always been with him.
“I’ve always loved running and I’ve always been pretty good at it. For me, it’s a natural way of getting around. Now I don’t see it as a sport for staying in shape, but more as a necessity. It’s my way to relax,” he noted.
Travel, geography, flags, cultures, and sport eventually came together for him in one big project — Running out of countries.
“I have a precise number of countries — 196. If you count territories and autonomous regions, there are more than 250. It doesn’t matter whether it takes 20 or 50 years — I’ll be happy either way,” he said.
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By the time he travelled to Kazakhstan, Roberto had already run in 72 countries. For him, this is not about “ticking a box”, but about a full-fledged journey.
“I try to plot my route through the main sights and avoid running along the same streets twice. I want to see as much as possible. I spend a lot of time in Google Maps. After buying a ticket, I plan all the logistics,” the traveler shared.
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About Kazakhstan
The trip to Kazakhstan turned out to be far from easy. Roberto flew via Istanbul, but due to problems with his connection he lost almost two full days on the road.
"After an endless journey on the way to Kazakhstan, I’ve finally landed in Almaty at 5:00am", he said.
He chose the city deliberately.
"I chose Almaty because of how it looks and the nature around it. It’s a great combination," the athlete noted.
His route ran through the center of Almaty and the city’s key landmarks.
"The run immediately consisted in going to the TvTower on Kok Tobe’s Mount, for a full panoramic view of the city. From the top, a wonderful panorama, with the high snowy mountains surrounding the city.
Almaty gave me similar vibes of Biškek, with large avenues, lots of concrete blocks and in the center, lots of old Soviet and national monuments. A must see are definitely the Cathedral of Ascension (totally built in wood!) and right there, also the monument of glory, with the eternal flame fully on," Roberto emphasized.
It was the ascent that left the strongest impression on him.
About Almaty
Roberto described Almaty as a comfortable city for runners.
"It’s a big city, with wide avenues and sidewalks — perfect for running. There are many beautiful parks. The run along the river up to Kok Tobe was just perfect," he explained.
He also highlighted the atmosphere in the city.
"The cleanliness of the city and the friendliness of the people. Everyone is welcoming and hospitable," the athlete stressed.
About the people
The traveler also said that at the hotel where he stayed, the staff were so inspired by his idea that they helped him map out routes and cheered him on before his runs.
"I met two members of the hotel staff. They immediately loved my project, gave me tips on where best to go, supported and encouraged me before the run. We even took photos together," Roberto shared.
He did not encounter any particular issues or difficulties in the city.
"No, I didn’t see any problems. There are many contrasts in Almaty, but they coexist in harmony," he noted.
What’s next
Over his years of traveling, Roberto has managed to run in very different conditions — from cold to heat.
"Greenland and Iceland are among my favorite places to run. But the pyramids in Egypt, and remote African islands like São Tomé, were also amazing," the athlete said.
According to Roberto, running helps not just to see a country, but to feel it.
"Travel is the best thing for opening your mind and your eyes. And running helps you really feel a place," he noted.
This has also influenced his character.
"Endurance in everyday life — definitely. I handle fatigue better, I hardly ever feel stressed and I’m always calm. I think running has made me a better person," the traveler said.
Even when he is at home in Florence, Roberto does not stop.
"I’m constantly looking for new places. Even when I’m working in Italy, I’m already thinking about routes for 2026," he said.
At the same time, his main wish remains simple.
"I would like the runs to never end. I love discovering new places and new countries. I want the runs to never end. Put on your running shoes and just go. The world is your gym," he concluded.
About the project
Italian Roberto De Lorenzo works at the front desk of a five-star hotel in Florence, but devotes his free time to something not everyone would dare to attempt. His goal is to become the first person to have gone for a run in every country in the world. In 2025, Kazakhstan became one of those countries.
For Roberto, running is neither a way to burn calories nor a chase for medals. He admits that his love for movement has always been with him.
“I’ve always loved running and I’ve always been pretty good at it. For me, it’s a natural way of getting around. Now I don’t see it as a sport for staying in shape, but more as a necessity. It’s my way to relax,” he noted.
Travel, geography, flags, cultures, and sport eventually came together for him in one big project — Running out of countries.
“I have a precise number of countries — 196. If you count territories and autonomous regions, there are more than 250. It doesn’t matter whether it takes 20 or 50 years — I’ll be happy either way,” he said.
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
Публикация от ???????????? Running every country! (@running_out_of_countries)
By the time he travelled to Kazakhstan, Roberto had already run in 72 countries. For him, this is not about “ticking a box”, but about a full-fledged journey.
“I try to plot my route through the main sights and avoid running along the same streets twice. I want to see as much as possible. I spend a lot of time in Google Maps. After buying a ticket, I plan all the logistics,” the traveler shared.
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
Публикация от ???????????? Running every country! (@running_out_of_countries)
About Kazakhstan
The trip to Kazakhstan turned out to be far from easy. Roberto flew via Istanbul, but due to problems with his connection he lost almost two full days on the road.
"After an endless journey on the way to Kazakhstan, I’ve finally landed in Almaty at 5:00am", he said.
He chose the city deliberately.
"I chose Almaty because of how it looks and the nature around it. It’s a great combination," the athlete noted.
His route ran through the center of Almaty and the city’s key landmarks.
"The run immediately consisted in going to the TvTower on Kok Tobe’s Mount, for a full panoramic view of the city. From the top, a wonderful panorama, with the high snowy mountains surrounding the city.
Almaty gave me similar vibes of Biškek, with large avenues, lots of concrete blocks and in the center, lots of old Soviet and national monuments. A must see are definitely the Cathedral of Ascension (totally built in wood!) and right there, also the monument of glory, with the eternal flame fully on," Roberto emphasized.
It was the ascent that left the strongest impression on him.
About Almaty
Roberto described Almaty as a comfortable city for runners.
"It’s a big city, with wide avenues and sidewalks — perfect for running. There are many beautiful parks. The run along the river up to Kok Tobe was just perfect," he explained.
He also highlighted the atmosphere in the city.
"The cleanliness of the city and the friendliness of the people. Everyone is welcoming and hospitable," the athlete stressed.
About the people
The traveler also said that at the hotel where he stayed, the staff were so inspired by his idea that they helped him map out routes and cheered him on before his runs.
"I met two members of the hotel staff. They immediately loved my project, gave me tips on where best to go, supported and encouraged me before the run. We even took photos together," Roberto shared.
He did not encounter any particular issues or difficulties in the city.
"No, I didn’t see any problems. There are many contrasts in Almaty, but they coexist in harmony," he noted.
What’s next
Over his years of traveling, Roberto has managed to run in very different conditions — from cold to heat.
"Greenland and Iceland are among my favorite places to run. But the pyramids in Egypt, and remote African islands like São Tomé, were also amazing," the athlete said.
According to Roberto, running helps not just to see a country, but to feel it.
"Travel is the best thing for opening your mind and your eyes. And running helps you really feel a place," he noted.
This has also influenced his character.
"Endurance in everyday life — definitely. I handle fatigue better, I hardly ever feel stressed and I’m always calm. I think running has made me a better person," the traveler said.
Even when he is at home in Florence, Roberto does not stop.
"I’m constantly looking for new places. Even when I’m working in Italy, I’m already thinking about routes for 2026," he said.
At the same time, his main wish remains simple.
"I would like the runs to never end. I love discovering new places and new countries. I want the runs to never end. Put on your running shoes and just go. The world is your gym," he concluded.