MOSCOW, September 21 (RIA Novosti) - The Moscow Marathon was held on Sunday, also the All Russian Running Day, with the course twisting its way across the Russian capital.
The race was won by Kenyan Solomon Kibet Barngetuni. His time of 2:17.20 is a new record for the Marathon, breaking the previous record of 2:19.36 set by Ukrainian Alexander Matviychuk . The Kenyan will take home a purse of 1.7 Million Rubles (45000 USD) for his victory.
Renat Akhmadeev and Irina Sergeeva won men’s and women’s 10 km heats respectively.
Over 12,356 people registered to attempt the 42.2 km course. Traffic in the city center was restricted throughout the morning. Police and city officials created a pedestrian only zone for the runners. The streets were calm and quiet and the weather was warm, making it an optimal day for the race.
The Moscow Marathon is part of the larger National Cross Country Race, which takes part in many different cities across Russia on 21 September. Many thousands of people from different age groups take part in the race. President Vladimir Putin himself congratulated the runners.
The Marathon is part of a series of similar events taking place in Moscow in and around Luzhniki sports complex. These include a “Color Race”, where entrants are painted beforehand, the “Music Half Marathon” where bands and music are set up the length of the course, and a “Night Race” where participants don headlamps and take to the darkened streets.
The Moscow marathon is first and foremost a charity event. Proceeds of the event go towards six major charities: the Sheredar Charitable Foundation, “Our Children”, "+Infant support", "Children’s room key", The Foundation for Children’s Sport, and DownSideUp. All of the charities support Children and their families who suffer from serious diseases and other life affecting syndromes.
The first Moscow marathon was held in 2013, with 2366 participants.
