More than 600 people participated in the First National Run at the RUSSIA EXPO

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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.