On Saturday the 29th of June, the 33rd White Nights Marathon will take place in St. Petersburg. This year the race joined the BRICS Marathon League. There is a new route, starting on Palace Square and finishing near the Medny Vsadnik monument. In addition to the traditional 42.2 km and 10 km races and relay races for everyone, this year’s marathon will for the first time feature an open student relay race.
For the first time in a long time professional athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia will take part in the competition. And the strongest marathon runners from Russia and neighbouring countries will compete with them. Amongst them are Every year, the historic city of St. Petersburg, Russia, transforms into a haven for runners and sports enthusiasts as it hosts the White Nights Marathon.
This marathon, set against the backdrop of the city’s famous white nights a natural phenomenon where the sun barely sets offers a unique blend of athletic challenge and cultural experience. The 2024 edition of the White Nights Marathon promises to be an extraordinary event, attracting participants from all corners of the globe. Over the years, it has grown into one of Russia’s most significant athletic events, drawing thousands of runners annually.
The marathon not only celebrates the spirit of endurance but also showcases the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking architecture of St. Petersburg. According to the marathon director, Dmitry Tarasov this year registration for the race closed early, and the total number of participants has grown strongly for both distances. Approximately 80 per cent of runners will come to St. Petersburg specifically for the event.
St. Petersburg, often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” is renowned for its stunning canals, grand palaces, and historic landmarks. The marathon route takes runners past some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. This scenic route makes the marathon a visually rewarding experience for participants and spectators alike.
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For many runners, preparing for the White Nights Marathon involves months of rigorous training. The unique challenges posed by the race, such as the extended daylight hours and potential temperature fluctuations, require careful planning and adaptation. Experienced marathoners often incorporate long runs during the evening or early morning to simulate the conditions they will face in St. Petersburg.
Participating in the White Nights Marathon offers more than just a physical challenge, it provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in Russian culture. St. Petersburg is a city rich in history and tradition, and marathon participants often take the time to explore its cultural treasures. For those interested in Russian history, the Peter and Paul Fortress and the State Russian Museum offer fascinating insights into the country’s past. The fortress, located on Zayachy Island, is the oldest building in St.
Petersburg and served as a prison for political dissidents during the Tsarist era. The State Russian Museum houses an extensive collection of Russian art, from ancient icons to contemporary works. One of the most remarkable aspects of the White Nights Marathon is the sense of community and camaraderie amongst participants. Runners from different countries and backgrounds come together to share in the joy of the sport. The marathon fosters a spirit of unity and friendship, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.
Local support for the marathon is also strong. Residents of St. Petersburg line the streets, cheering on the runners and providing encouragement. This enthusiastic support adds to the festive atmosphere of the event and motivates participants to push through the challenges of the race. This year, runners who complete two or three of the League’s three marathon distances during the year will receive special insignia, as well as the opportunity to enter special rankings.
Thus, more than 400 people who have already managed to run the first race of the series Kazan Marathon 2024 will receive a commemorative award after finishing the White Nights Marathon, and a wall of marathon runners will be waiting for them at the sports exhibition, on which their names will be highlighted separately.
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