The many faces of the Urals: Chelyabinsk region presented innovation, sport and culture at the National Centre RUSSIA

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Days of the Chelyabinsk region continue at the exposition "Region-2030. Platform of the Future" at the National Centre RUSSIA. On 10 October, an extensive presentation programme covered a wide range of areas — from culture and tourism to human resources and sporting achievements.

The forum of the All-Russian movement "Engineering Personnel of Russia" brought together coaches, participants, judges, representatives of resource centres and everyone interested in developing the engineering movement in the country. Participants discussed how to build effective, practice-oriented career guidance for school students in the context of a new industrialisation — from their first engineering projects to direct cooperation with enterprises. The programme included presentations of school engineering team projects, as well as an awards ceremony for the movement’s participants and partners. The key event was the official launch of the new 12th season of the All-Russian career guidance competition "IKaR", the finals of which will once again be held in Chelyabinsk in May 2026.

"We are doing a lot to support our youth, including in the field of engineering education: we cooperate with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, provide grants and open youth laboratories at universities. And, of course, our largest project is the inter-university campus in Chelyabinsk. We are creating a new centre of attraction for young scientists and a platform for implementing ideas that fully meets the goals set by the President of our country. I hope that this season even more active and motivated young people will join the 'IKaR' competition. I wish you success, inspiration, and confidence in the future — learn more about our country and love it," said Governor of the Chelyabinsk region Alexei Teksler in his welcoming speech.

At the stand of the Chelyabinsk region, registration officially opened for the 10th Paris Half Marathon — a large-scale sporting event held annually since 2016 in the village of Paris, Nagaybaksky district of the Chelyabinsk region, beneath the arches of a scaled-down replica of the Eiffel Tower.

"Those hearing the phrase 'Paris Half Marathon' and 'Chelyabinsk region' together for the first time may wonder how these words can possibly appear in the same sentence. But localities with these names really do exist in Russia — they symbolise glorious victories of Russian arms. That is why we have Paris, Berlin, Leipzig and many other places named in honour of our army’s victories. Previously, our half marathon was a small event, but now it has become a true sporting brand of the region. I am sure that the anniversary half marathon will once again be a bright and memorable one," said the Governor of the Chelyabinsk region, Alexei Teksler.

Over nine years, the Paris Half Marathon has grown from a simple athletics race into one of the region’s most anticipated sports events, featuring a rich cultural and entertainment programme and a unique atmosphere. In 2025, it brought together over 11,000 professional and amateur runners from 33 Russian regions, as well as from Kazakhstan, Belarus, and China.

"Our Paris Half Marathon is the only athletics half marathon in Russia held on such a scale in a rural area. Initially, through this initiative, I just wanted to tell people about the small indigenous Nagaybak community, but now, largely thanks to the region’s support, our project not only introduces people to our village but also helps transform the infrastructure of rural areas. Those who came to the first Paris Half Marathon now hardly recognise the Nagaybaksky district — they are amazed by how much has changed," said the founder of the Paris Half Marathon, Svetlana Mamedalina.

As part of the themed programme, an expert panel titled "Tourism Potential of the Chelyabinsk Region" was held. Representatives of the region’s tourism industry presented national tourist routes and discussed traditional, industrial, gastronomic and other types of tourism with tour operators and business representatives from across the country. A special focus of the presentation was the Arkaim archaeological complex and the development of infrastructure around this unique ancient site.

One of the day’s cultural highlights was the performance by the male vocal quartet Onegin, composed of soloists from the Chelyabinsk Opera and Ballet Theatre. Their heartfelt renditions of the songs "My Rus’", "Melody", "Eternal Love" and other well-known pieces resonated deeply with the audience.

"I really enjoyed the performance. It’s rare to hear such powerful and moving male vocals. Their voices filled the entire space, and the performers’ energy, I think, charged not only me but everyone in the audience," said guest Alexei.

Throughout the day, the vibrant programme of the Chelyabinsk region’s presentation was complemented by a fashion show featuring national motifs. The costumes from the collection "Craftsmen’s Urals", created by the artisans of the Theatre of Russian Costume at the South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University, vividly embodied the cultural code of the region.

Over the weekend, visitors to the Chelyabinsk region’s stand can look forward to "atomic" games, quizzes with prizes and the unique gastronomic show "Dishes from the Camel", featuring tastings of authentic South Ural cuisine.

The Regional Days are held as part of the exposition "Region-2030. Platform of the Future" at the National Centre RUSSIA from September to October. Visitors have already explored the Republic of Dagestan, the Voronezh, Tula and Amur regions, as well as the Jewish Autonomous Region. The Chelyabinsk region’s cultural and educational programme runs from 7 to 12 October, while the Nenets Autonomous Area will conclude the series of regional presentations from 14 to 19 October.