When you want sport and adventure. 4 ideas for trekking in the best locations in Russia

When you want sport and adventure. 4 ideas for trekking in the best locations in Russia

Plan your active summer now!

President of Pro-Vision, author of the Vinogradov.story community

Trailrunning, or trail running, stands apart from all other sports. Because of the specifics of the discipline, every training session is unique. What to speak about large-scale field competitions and marathons, which often take place in surprising and unexpected places. In anticipation of an active trail season, I have gathered and share with you the most interesting starts planned for the summer – and traditionally supplement them with travel hacks.

Leo.Run 2023.

Where and when: Primorsky Krai, National Park “Land of the Leopard”, June 10

The “Land of the Leopard” trail half marathon runs through the protected areas of the Khasansky district of Primorsky Krai, and along the route athletes will see Vladivostok bridges, Amur Bay, Narva and Severnaya Bays one after another. In addition to the half marathon itself, runners can run distances of 3, 5 and 10 km, which expands the list of participants and allows even beginners to start. A part of the proceeds from ticket sales will be allocated for activities aimed at preserving the population of the Red Book Far Eastern cat.

Leo.Run

EL5-Energy Trail at the Kola Wind Farm – 2023

Where and when: Murmansk region, Kola wind farm, July 15

Perhaps the most extreme and amazing trail run of the season will start on July 15 at the Kola Wind Farm. Just imagine: an endless polar day, the harsh beauty of the Polar Regions and powerful wind turbines cutting the sky over the Arctic. For the participants six distances of different length and categories of complexity, as well as a thematic lecture hall, a quest, a children’s club and an exposition zone are prepared. This trail combines everything: uniqueness, originality and great respect for the location: the organizers put a special educational emphasis on “green” energy and environmental protection.

Kola Wind Farm

KIZHI RUN 3.0 2023

Where and when: Karelia, Kizhi Island, July 29.

When we say Kizhi, we mean the grandiose ensemble of the Kizhi Pogost with the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, just opened after restoration, made in the style of Northern Russian wooden architecture. At first glance it may seem that Kizhi has nothing to do with sports – however, for one day they will be united by the festival of running and Nordic walking, as well as open water swimming. Of course, the starting package of the festival also includes excursions to the museum-reserve and the wooden temple, as well as (optionally) water transfer: it is possible to get to Kizhi Island only by Onega Lake.

KIZHI RUN

Speed ascent to Avacha volcano

Where and when: Kamchatka, Avachinsky volcano, August 12

The race to Avachinsky is symbolic: it will take place on the Day of the Volcano, which is traditionally celebrated “on sport” in Kamchatka. Among alternative starts the trail to Avachinsky is characterized by mass: in the past years the number of participants of the simultaneous ascent reached 1000 people. However, this does not prevent individual athletes from setting records. At the moment, the fastest time to climb the sopka is just over one hour and 22 minutes – and it is likely that this year the figure will be improved.

Avacha volcano