Much has changed in the way how modern Russians spend their free time. Sure cinema, theatres, galleries, cafes, bars will always comprise the huge part of leisure culture in Moscow. But now there is something sporty and more precious that has added motivation, awareness, and self-satisfaction to everyday life. Maybe it is taking a part in one of the 5 Moscow marathons? Or just running around Moscow’s city-center?
Moscow is known for its great traditional cultural heritage such as the Kremlin, the Red Square, the Bolshoi Theatre and the Tretyakov Gallery, but these must-see tourist spots are definitely not the only reason why you should visit the capital of Russia. As any other major capital, Moscow with its diverse modern culture has a lot to offer when it comes to activities and cultural experiences that you can make use of. A wide choice of various places to visit and things to do includes traditional tourist routes as well as more unexpected ways of exploring the city.
LET’S GUESS A RIDDLE
Let’s say you have already seen the Kremlin; you have visited the Pushkin State Museum. You have also taken photos in GUM and took a hop-on-off bus. Even if your plan does not follow the traditional sights, you may wonder if there is anything more to it that can make your experience in Moscow even more exciting. The answer is RUN marathon in Moscow! It will appeal to both the sports addicts and the adventurers, who travel to experience the craziest moments in their life. And so, here are the most remarkable races, that you can run in Moscow.
RUNNING HEARTS
Distance
4,2 km, 10 km, 21 km
Participants
10 300 people together with Olympic champions, celebrities, Russian famous entrepreneurs
Date
27th May
Perhaps this race is the most famous in Russia and mostly covered in social networks marathon, which was founded by model Natalia Vodianova and her friend, creative director of Podium and at the same time sports addict, Polina Kitsenko. Run marathon Running Hearts – a charitable event that takes place every year and has already raised 100 000 000 roubles for the charity – Naked Heart Foundation that helps children.
The main registration is already closed, but you can still join and run Nike digital marathon. To participate, you need to register here and download Nike+ Run Club app. On the 27th of May you can go running anywhere you want using the Nike app and for every kilometer you run Nike will donate 50 rubles to the Naked Heart Foundation.
ABSOLUTE MOSCOW MARATHON
Distance
10 km, 42,2 km
Participants
7 740 people
Date
23rd September
The Absolute marathon in Moscow is a member of Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The route passes through the center along the Moskva River embankments and the Garden and Boulevard Rings, across the Crimean Bridge, along Tverskaya Street and the Theater Passage. Everything ends under the walls of the Kremlin. Basically, you can kill two birds with one stone – enjoy the city landmarks and keep fit.
If you run this race, you will see the world-famous sights of the city, including Moscow-City skyscrapers, the White House, four of the seven Stalin skyscrapers, the Bolshoi Theater, the FSB building, the Polytechnic Museum, the Kremlin and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Register here!
MOSCOW HALF MARATHON
Distance
21,1 km
Participants
～7 000 people
Date
20th May
Run Moscow Half Marathon in Moscow! Along the Luzhnetskaya, Frunzenskaya, Prechistenskaya, Kremlevskaya, Raushskaya and Kosmodamianskaya embankments. If you choose this race, you will enjoy views of “golden brain” – the building of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Defence building, buildings of the former chocolate factory “Red October“.
Register here!
COLOR RUN
Distance
5 km
Participants
～7 000 people
Date
10th June
The Color Run is indeed a crazy experience. You will run through four colorful zones, where you will be showered with colored powders. It is time to create and play! You can dress up as the heroes of movies and comics. There you can see ballerinas running in sneakers or all kinds of animals running next to you.
Register here!
NIGHT RUN
Distance
Participants
7 500 people
Date
28th July
Organised by the Running Community, Night run starts from Bolotnaya Square…at night. Participants run along Moskvoretskaya, Kremlyovskaya and Presnenskaya embankments overlooking the night capital’s sights. All you need is to sleep before and enjoy the moment. Moscow never sleeps and the Night Run proves it.
Register here!
P.S: You may want to take a break the next day after running a marathon. Consider going to one of the Moscow parks or just read a book. Either option is great.
