Nation's Cross-country Race 2013 held in Kazan. Part 2

The sporting event took place at Kazan-Arena stadium’s grounds. Traditionally, a family race, a sports veterans’ race, a VIP-race and a mass race were held. This year, runners were also joined by cyclists.

The grounds next to the stadium were separated into several parts. One of them featured the entertainment program, presented by the Kazan universities’ on-stage performance groups. Another site was occupied by rollerblades lovers and football players, whilst the main races took place at the third site.

Asgat Safarov, Chief of Presidential Staff of Tatarstan, took part in the VIP-race, along with the representatives of Cabinet Staff, the city’s Executive Committee and ministries as well as the heads of districts.

Sharing his impressions with the journalists, Safarov pointed out that the point of the day was participating rather than winning: “We cannot stay away from the event that unites the whole country. These mass events are needed not only from a political standpoint, but from a sporting one as well. These competitions unify teams and people”.

Earlier this morning, Physical Culture and Sport Committee of Kazan Executive Committee and Athletics Federation of Tatarstan held a half-marathon (21,097 meters) at the same grounds.