"Bright People" race was held at the RUSSIA EXPO

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On June 30, the "Bright People" sports race was held at the International RUSSIA EXPO with the support of the Ministry of Sport of Russia. Anyone could join the mass marathon of sports energy and health, and not only spend time with benefit, but also win a prize for the brightest costume. The event was held as part of the project "Sport for Everyone".

The warm-up for more than eight hundred registered participants of the race was conducted by Denis Lebedev, world champion in the first heavyweight category of professional boxing.

"Today, our President is reviving traditional sports events and parades for a reason. Because if we are healthy, intelligent, beautiful and strong, our state will be just as strong. That is why I always participate in such sports events and believe that athletes are among the most patriotically raised individuals in our country. Additionally, sports are part of our culture. A person involved in sports is a well-mannered person who would never allow themselves to hurt the weak. And while not all of us may become champions, we will certainly all become worthy citizens," emphasized Denis Lebedev.

The race was attended by prominent athletes, including basketball player, three-time Euroleague winner, European basketball champion Alexei Savrasenko, who came to the event together with his wife — European champion in group all-around, Master of Sports International Class in rhythmic gymnastics Elizaveta Savrasenko.

"The heat was not a hindrance, all participants were in a good mood, and, of course, I want to note the organizers of the event and volunteers who supported us throughout the distance," said Alexei Savrasenko.

The race was held at a distance of five kilometers. Despite the summer heat, all participants of the sports "marathon" successfully reached the finish line.

"I try not to interrupt the process of training. For example, yesterday I turned 21, and I decided to celebrate my birthday with a 21-kilometer race, and today I came here. When you tear the ribbon at the finish line, it's always very nice. And today's heat, I think, even played into my hands, helped me to break my rivals," Timofey, who demonstrated the best result in the race, shared his impressions.

In turn, Svetlana, who became the best in the five-kilometer "marathon" in the women's category, noted that you need to be able not only to win, but also to suffer defeat with dignity.

"Of course, it's always nice to win, but I've been in the sport for a long time, I'm a swimming coach, and I believe that you need to know how to lose as well. Because today you can be at the top, and tomorrow - at the bottom. Well, today everyone did their best, but the conditions were quite harsh because of the heat, so today's race was more about endurance. At the last kilometer I was already fighting with myself, I wanted to slow down the pace because it was hard to breathe. Many thanks to the organizers for the fact that we have the opportunity to participate in such wonderful events. I think it tunes our population to a sporting spirit," Svetlana said.

The peculiarity of the race "Bright People" was the fact that many of its participants went to the course in bright and unusual costumes.

There were all sorts of characters here — fairies, witches, pirates, famous cartoon characters, a family of clowns, and even Gaius Julius Caesar. The most unconventional and creative costumes received special prizes from the event organizers. The race concluded with a fun-filled disco in the fan zone, featuring lively hits from the cover band "Moskvichka".

The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered in one place. Throughout the Exposition, cultural events, a rich business and educational program await the guests. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal agencies, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors. More than 17 million people have already visited the Exposition. The International RUSSIA EXPO takes place on the territory of VDNH in Moscow from November 4 to July 8.