Runners from Oxford have been invited to take part in the Second Perm International Marathon in Oxford’s twinned city of Perm, Russia.
The event will take place over two days: Saturday 8 September and Sunday 9 September.
Attendees will be able to participate in the full marathon as well as a half marathon, and 10k and 3k runs all on the Sunday. A warm-up will be held with the Perm athletes and each race will be broadcast live on a screen.
On the Saturday, runner’s kits will be distributed to participants; there will also be a marathon shop of sports clothes and food, master classes, games, dance and music performances on the main stage.
Finishers of all the races will receive a commemorative medal and finishers will receive diplomas, souvenirs and money prizes. The total prize fund will be 2.06m Russian Rubles (about £25,000) which includes 500,000 Russian Rubles (about £6,000) for the absolute marathon winners for both women and men.
This year the number of registration slots has been increased to 8,000 following the success of last year’s inaugural marathon, which saw over 5,500 participants, representing 12 countries, 28 regions and 184 towns of the Russian Federation, as well as the twin cities of Duisburg and Oxford.
Oxford and Perm have been officially twinned since 1995. Previous cultural and sport exchanges have seen visits from school children, dancers, musicians, disabled people, artists, environmentalists, lawyers, journalists and politicians.
Perm is the most easterly city in Europe, situated 900 miles east of Moscow, between the Kama River and the Urals Mountains. It has an internationally-famous ballet school, a unique collection of religious wooden sculptures, and industries that cover everything from fine paper to aircraft engines.
In last year’s event, two City Representatives Louise and Marianna participated.
Louise Hall said: “The best way you could ever explore Perm and meet its friendly people is to run through the streets, alongside crowds of encouraging runners and supporters, and take in the sights around you.”
Marianna Hunt said: “I love running but had never been brave enough to put myself down for a 10k until the smiling team of Perm City Council convinced me to give it a go. The beautiful buildings to admire and Russian cub scouts trying to high five you the whole way made the kilometres fly by.”
Councillor Mary Clarkson, Board Member for Culture and City Centre said: “We are thrilled that our twin city of Perm will hold a second international marathon and are pleased that Oxford residents have been invited. Events such as this will continue to strengthen links between our cities. I wish all participants good luck and send special thanks to the organisers.”
To register for the Second Perm International Marathon, please visit the organiser's website.
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