The excitement from the tenth SberPrime Kazan Marathon, held on 3 and 4 May in the capital of Tatarstan, still lingers. The event is part of the BRICS Marathon League, a project uniting Russia’s largest marathons.

These races are known for their high-level competition, strong sporting spirit, and commitment to advancing track and field athletics—alongside a focus on cultural and tourist exchange. To join the League, runners must complete at least three marathon distances: in Kazan, St. Petersburg, and Moscow.

This year, the Kazan Marathon broke records in participation, drawing over 35,000 athletes and running enthusiasts—undeterred by the cold, wind, and rain. For them, the entire city center closed for two days, offering a stunning course and a vibrant cultural program. The atmosphere was electric, filled with celebration!

Among the participants were deaf runners, true fans of major All-Russian races, hailing from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Chelyabinsk, Saransk, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Krasnoyarsk, Yekaterinburg, and beyond. Many competed in multiple races: the 3 km and 10 km (May 3), followed by the half marathon (21.1 km) and full marathon (42.2 km) on May 4.

Each distance was more than just kilometers—it was a test of purpose. Every runner had trained for this moment, knowing exactly why they ran. And when exhaustion threatened to take over, when the finish line seemed impossibly far, support crews with creative posters and big screens along the route pushed them forward. Wasn’t that a victory over their own limits?

All who conquered their distances earned unique commemorative medals, adding to their collections.

The SberPrime Kazan Marathon isn’t just about sport—it’s about connection, shared experiences, and mutual support. And yes, such gatherings must be regular, because movement is power!

Text: Nurlan Tazhigulov

Photo: participants of RunInfoDeafRF

Translation: Daria Kudelina