Vladivostok Marathons

Vladivostok confidently secured the status of the running capital of the Far East. Complex hilly terrain, open sea coast and grand cable-stayed bridges attract thousands of athletes here. To run a difficult distance with a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan is a rare experience that is impossible to get in other regions of Russia.

The large-scale race in Vladivostok has long outgrown the usual sports standard. For many visitors, this is a great opportunity to combine a serious physical challenge with an exciting trip to the edge of the continent. With each season, the capital of Primorye opens new formats of starts, where the tracks run high above the sea straits or directly on the mirror ice of the frozen bay.

Running in Vladivostok: the main marathons and sports events of the year

The Beige calendar of Primorye unites dozens of starts of different difficulty levels. Among them are iconic flagship projects that bring together amateurs and experienced professionals from all over the country. Each start has its own geography and unique color.

During the year, the seaside capital hosts several key events:

• The Heroes Race is an all-Russian race with obstacles on rough terrain, in Vladivostok it is held annually in the summer.
• The international marathon "Bridges of Vladivostok" - the main autumn start on the cable-stay giants through the sea straits.The ice half marathon Vladivostok Ice Run
• The Vladivostok Ice Run half-marathon — an extreme winter test of endurance across the ice-bound waters of the Sea of ​​Japan.

Beginner runners choose distances of one or five kilometers, and experienced marathon runners go to the classic marathon running Vladivostok with a length of 42 kilometers.

Bridges of Vladivostok: marathon over sea straits

The main pride of the Pacific capital is its cable-stayed bridges. The opportunity to run along the roadway of giant structures gives the international marathon of Vladivostok. On normal days, these highways are open exclusively to traffic, and pedestrian traffic on them is completely closed. Only once a year car lanes are given to athletes.

The route connects Russian Island and the historic city center. Athletes start on the island, overcome the Russian Bridge over the Vostochny Bosphorus Strait, run along the Nazimov Peninsula and cross the Golden Horn Bay on the Golden Bridge. From pylons at an altitude of tens of meters above the water, stunning views of the ships of the Pacific Fleet, port cranes and silhouettes of distant hills open.

Traditionally, this large-scale race in September gathers thousands of participants in Vladivostok in the midst of a soft velvet season. The final arch awaits the runners in the square of the Fighters of the Revolution. Detailed information about the rules of participation at International marathon "Bridges of Vladivostok".

Recommendation:The urban terrain is distinguished by steep elevation differences. When preparing for the start, pay special attention to training on the ups and downs. Long ascents to bridge crossings require the correct distribution of forces over the entire distance.

Ice half marathon in Vladivostok: sea ice test

If the autumn start strikes with the scope of bridge architecture, the winter competition throws a direct challenge to the elements. Every February, the water area of Novik Bay on Russky Island turns into an international running track. The famous ice half marathon Vladivostok Ice Run became the only official athletics event in the country, the distances of which entirely pass on the surface of the frozen sea.

Participants run in special studded shoes directly above the sea depth. Emergencies Ministry staff are responsible for the safety of athletes: they regularly measure the thickness of pack ice, which reaches half a meter and can easily withstand hundreds of people. Ringing frosty air, bright winter sun and rhythmic crunch of snow under the feet create a stunning sensation. For travelers, the winter half marathon of Vladivostok is a great reason to come to the Far East in the off-season. Guests of the region try the famous Pacific smelt, admire the snow-capped shores and test the limits of their own endurance. Full rules for winter start at Ice half marathon Honor Vladivostok Ice Run

Other sports events and races in Primorsky Krai

The sports life of the region does not cease all year round. In the region, local trails, charity relays and night starts with headlights are regularly organized. Such starts allow you to combine the training with an inspection of the wildlife of the Russian island, the hills and coastal batteries of the Vladivostok fortress.

Recommendations to participants of sports events in Vladivostok:
 

• Purchase the starting slot 3-4 months before the event: registration for key starts is closed early due to the limit of participants.
• Choose equipment for the marine climate: a windproof light jacket is necessary on open bridges, and spikes on the sole are mandatory on ice.
• Book at least two days for acclimatization: the time difference with the central regions of Russia is from three to seven hours.
• Make an excursion program for the days after the finish: walks on sappords, inspection of forts and seaside cuisine perfectly restore strength.

Fans of dynamic leisure can easily choose a start to their level of training: from fun races in carnival masks to many hours of country ultramarathons along the taiga trails of Sikhote-Alin. To follow the current dates and announcements of the competition is convenient in a special section Events in Primorye.