More than 600 people participated in the First National Run at the RUSSIA EXPO
The competitions took place over several distances — adults ran 5 and 10 kilometers, while children ran 500 and 1000 meters. There were 208 children and 394 adults in the race. To participate, it was required to come in national costumes of the peoples of Russia or a costume of one's own creation. The most creative participants were awarded along with the race winners. The host was Dmitry Guberniev, a TV presenter, commentator for the Match TV channel, and sports journalist. First National Run was timed to the Udmurt national holiday "Gerber".
"Incredible
energy is given, first of all, by the people gathered today by the Republic.
And very young boys and girls. All this, of course, is simply incredibly
uplifting. Physical culture is part of the overall culture of humanity. I want
to say a huge thank you to everyone. The happiness in the eyes of our children
is what is the most important!" emphasized Dmitry Guberniev.
The oldest
participant in the competition was 77-year-old Anatoly Romanov from Odintsovo.
He ran the five-kilometer distance.
"For
me, the run is an opportunity to socialize with friends, the awards are not the
main thing. We came here with the whole family — I encourage sports for both
children and grandchildren. I wish the other participants health, optimism and
kindness towards each other," shared Anatoly Romanov.
The
competition was joined by well-known Russian athletes from Udmurtia — skier and
three-time Olympic silver medalist Maxim Vylegzhanin, biathlete and three-time
world champion Ivan Cherezov, athlete Marina Azyabina, two-time Paralympic
champion skier Vladislav Lekomtsev, marathon runner and master of sports Yuri
Chechuni, and other athletes.
"Gerber"
is the Udmurt national holiday marking the end of spring fieldwork. Its name
comes from the Udmurt words "gery" — plow, and "bere" —
after, behind. Since 1992, it has acquired the status of a republic-wide
holiday, attracting not only residents of the region but also guests from
neighboring areas and across the country. Since 2015, the holiday has gained
federal status and has been held in Moscow for the sixth time.
