Sport

Traditional running festival

On 28 September, the 56th Veksler Memorial Track and Field Race took place. Once again, runners of all ages conquered distances from 1 to 8 km along the streets and embankment of Dubna. Nearly 300 athletes from Bely Gorodok, Zaprudny, Zelenograd, Dmitrov, Dolgoprudny, Dubna, Kimry, Kineshma, Konakovo, Moscow, Mytishchi, St. Petersburg, Taldom and Toksovo participated in the competition.

Opening the event, Head of the Dubna City District Maxim Tikhomirov reminded the athletes of the Olympic principle "the main thing is not victory, but participation" and wished them good luck. JINR Vice-Director Latchesar Kostov congratulated everyone "on this significant event - the run in memory of the remarkable scientist, Academician Vladimir Veksler that made a significant contribution to the development of our Institute" and wished everyone health, success and good fortune. Head of the JINR SIM Office Andrey Tamonov emphasized that "for our Institute, this is one of the most important sporting events. V.I.Veksler is one of JINR's founding fathers, meaning this sporting tradition will continue for a long time to come". Head of the VTB Bank Branch Elena Pereguda wished the participants confidence in their abilities and victory. Chief Referee Zoya Matveeva supported the athletes, especially the young ones, at the start, urged the leaders to the finish line and inspired the audience to cheer for the athletes. Some participants and spectators shared their emotions.

Tatyana Maslova (Dubna): "My fourth-grader son and preschooler daughter are participating in this race for the first time. It's great that competitions of such kind are held where not only professional athletes but also anyone interested in sports and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can participate." When asked if she runs herself, Tatyana replied, "I do but I pulled a muscle and can't run today. Children, of course, follow their parents' example. As an amateur, I run the Moscow Marathon and shorter distances like 10km. My children see it and want to run, too."

Igor Krupenin (Dubna) is far from his first race: "I haven't counted how many I've participated in, but whenever I can, I always run here. I didn't participate last year because I was running 22 km along the canal. It's a good group of people, meeting veteran runners. I'm 68 years old, I've been running for a long time and I can't live without it."

Timofey Khomutov (Dmitrov) took the first place in the 2 km: "This is my second race but I've traveled to Dolgoprudny, Zaprudnya and I've also competed in various events here in Dmitrov."

Timofey Khomutov

Do you do track and field?

- Yes, I've been training at the Children's Centre "Fiesta" in Dmitrov for five years now, running long sprints and half-middle distances. I enjoyed running here; I'll come back next year and try the 4 km distance.

What grade are you in now?

- Ninth grade, I am going to run until I'm 18 and I hope to continue even further.

Alexander Tretyakov (Dubna) and his grandchildren came to compete: "I don't remember which race I've been in, definitely my 20th, probably, even more. I've always run, ever since my student days. I've run three Moscow Marathons and try to participate in every competition I hear about. Running is a pleasure and a joy for me."

Have you gotten your grandchildren involved in running?

No, I got my daughter involved. She graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physical Education and got her children interested in running. Vera took the second place today and Vasilko's place is to be seen, but they're good runners. My daughter runs, her husband Mikhail does and today, she, Zoya Matveeva is the head judge of the race.

JINR Sports Complex Director V.N.Lomakin summarized the event's progress: "Today, we're holding the 56th Veksler Memorial Run despite the windy, cool weather and a bit of rain. We hope the sun will shine by the finish of the final race and the awards ceremony. A large crowd gathered, with about 500 registered. We organized the competition well, I think. Thanks to JINR Directorate for the financial support. JINR and SIM Office are always on board with us, keeping up with the sport. Thanks to the city administration for ensuring street closures and the safety of the run. Head Maxim Tikhomirov is participating in the run, too. VTB Bank, the competition sponsor, prepared gifts and the Institute presented its own prizes. We had many winners and runners-up today in various age categories and races - 57 in total. So, we're pleased that the event turned out well, even in this weather and that we have achieved good results." The boys ran the 1 km race fast, and a girl ran the 2 km race so fast, it was simply amazing - great results!

The winners were presented awards - medals and newly designed cups and a raffle with prizes was organized for the child participants. It was definitely a great event!

Olga TARANTINA,
photos by Igor LAPENKO and Elena PUZYNINA