Zak Timol, founder of tailoring brand Velsvoir and co-founder of Vertex33, says the landscape and people of Uzbekistan’s Aral Sea region drew him to take part in a 100km ultramarathon there.
The race is one of a growing number of endurance events designed to bring visitors to remote corners of Central Asia, and Timol’s comments point to the role of community and hospitality in selling them.
“My background is in men’s tailoring and also running,” Timol told Emerging Travel. “I’m actually super privileged to be able to run the ultra in a couple of weeks, which is 100km alongside what used to be the fourth-largest lake in the world.”
Timol visited the area a few months before the race. “The space is extremely special: the terrain, the people, the culture,” he said.
It was the welcome he highlighted most. “They’re so friendly, so welcoming, even though there’s a language barrier,” he said. “The most beautiful thing is when you’re in a new place, but you just find commonality between humans.”
Emerging Travel reported on the event in Uzbekistan stages Aral Sea ultramarathon with a finish line that retreats each year.
Emerging Travel has also reported on Uzbekistan’s eco-tourism pivot.
Velsvoir is a menswear tailoring brand founded by Timol, who is also co-founder of Vertex33.
Watch and read more Emerging Travel interviews.
