The "Slavic Run" in Vitebsk gathered over 3,000 participants
"The run is being held for the third time. Each year, it grows by 1,000 participants – this year, there are over 3,000. I hope your numbers will double next year. I wish you willpower, easy kilometers, patience, and victories," said the head of the Vitebsk region.
A 3.3 km run has already taken place; it was the most massive. The sporting event program includes runs of 10 km (12 years and older), 21.1 km (15 years and older), and 300 m (for children aged 5-8). The start and finish were located at Victory Square. The route runs along Moskovsky Prospekt and General Beloborodov Street. Every year, the project attracts hundreds of running enthusiasts. This year, the "Slavic Run" also includes the Minsk team "Wings of Angels," composed of adult athletes and children with disabilities. Five children in wheelchairs and young people with autism, accompanied by volunteers, have chosen various distances – from 3.3 to 21.1 km. Among the "Wings of Angels" is Alexei Talai, a native of the Vitebsk region, a participant in the National Paralympic Team, and a motivational speaker, who will complete his chosen route in a wheelchair.
"This is my first time participating in a half-marathon. I was happy to receive an invitation from "Wings of Angels." It is very important when parents show their children to others so they don't feel ashamed of them. We are all different, but we must do everything we can. Honestly, I can't even imagine how my partners will endure all the loads, but I will support everyone with my energy and words," noted Alexei. Athletes from not only Belarus but also Russia came to the "Slavic Run" in Vitebsk. Among them is Alexander Prokhorov from St. Petersburg. The man has been running for a long time and has participated in races in Finland and the Baltic countries. "Last year I ran a 10 km distance, and today I plan to complete 21.1 km. I decided to come to Vitebsk again because I used to work here, and my relatives live here. It's wonderful that so many enthusiasts are coming.
running. The only request to the organizers is to distribute participants by age groups, because at 60 you can't run like at 20," Alexander noted.After summing up the results of the sports event, participants of the 10 and 21.1 km races who have paid the entry fee will receive commemorative medals. Winners in the 3.3 and 10 km distances will be awarded commemorative prizes. And the top three men and three women in the absolute championship at the 21.1 km distance will receive cash prizes. Gifts are also prepared for the six best athletes among boys and girls at the 300 m distance. The Belarusian Athletics Federation acted as the organizer of the "Slavic Run".