2ND ROUND OF NORDIC INTERNATIONAL SKI MARATHON STARTS IN PETROZAVODSK

PETROZAVODSK, February 21 (RIA Novosti) - The 2nd round of the Nordic International Ski Marathon kicks off on Saturday in Petrozavodsk (the capital city of Karelia, Russia's federal republic whose western part borders on Finland). The marathon makes its debut in Russia and is held under the auspices of the Nordic Ski Masters Association.

A spokesperson for the Petrozavodsk local government told RIA Novosti that about 50 amateur skiers from Karelia, Finland, Norway and Sweden plan to take part in the competition.

The marathon includes a 50 km race for men and a 25 km race for women. Winners of the events in respective age groups will receive prizes and certificates.

The first round of the marathon took place in the beginning of February in Finland. The third round will be held in Sweden at the end of March.

Petrozavodsk became the first Russian city included in the marathon program at the initiative of the Nordic Ski Masters Association. From now on, Petrozavodsk skiers will be able to take part in all competitions held under the auspices of this international sports organization.