Hello, on September 23rd 2017, you’ll be organizing the International Vladivostok Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located?
The International Vladivostok Marathon will be held in the city of Vladivostok, Russia, which is the most south-eastern city of the Russian Federation. You can get there with a 2 hours flight from Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing or a 3 hours bus ride from the Russian-Chinese border. Vladivostok lays on the picturesque shores of the Western Japanese Sea and is considered the pearl of Russian East .
How old is the race and why was it created in the first place?
The race is very young. This year will only be its second edition as an international marathon. The inaugural international event was held on 25th September 2016. The race was initially set to debut in 2015, but because of some administrative difficulties we could only organize a half marathon and it was held on the Russky island, without crossing the bridges.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The race is run on one of the most beautiful roads of the city – 42,2 and 21,1 km races start on the Russky Island, cross the Russky bridge, then the Churkin district (where the 5 km starts), then cross the Zolotoy (Golden) Bridge and finish in the historical center of Vladivostok, on the Central Square. Vladivostok has very interesting landscape with a lots of hills, so runners can expect some rather hard climbs and descents on all distances.
What are the distances on the agenda?
The participants may choose between Marathon, Half marathon and 5 km. Also we have a 1 km race (for kids 6 to 13 year old).
How many runners do you expect on Saturday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
In 2016 we had about 2,000 runners, This year we expect between 4 to 5,000 runners. We invite runners not only from Russia, but also from other countries. More and more runners from neighbouring countries such as China, Japan and Korea but also countries all around the Pacific Ocean: Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and the USA are coming to our race.
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
We chose the best time of the year to hold our event. September is the best season in Vladivostok with its monsoon climate. The temperatures are about 21-25°C , the sun is shining and the sky is usually clear. We usually have a true Indian Summer. Of course you shouldn’t forget that it is still Autumn, and it may be rather cold at night or in the morning when race preparation begins. Temperatures around 12-15C can be expected as well as some wind. So my best advice would be to pack for the trip bringing a bathing suit as well as a warm coat with a cap!
Have you planned festivities around the event?
On race day we will have a “Finish city” on the Central Square – with the catering and contests in the partner zone. Also the International Vladivostok Marathon opens the celebration of the annual Tiger Day, which is held under the patronage of the President of Russia – Vladimir Putin. This holiday will be held on Sunday after the race, and includes “Tigers” morning procession, different activities, competitions and concerts.
For runners who have never been to Vladivostok, would you recommend any activities, visits or experiences in general that would help them discover the city before or after the race?
Vladivostok is a city developed throughout history as a Far Post of Russia, it has a big quantity of attractions. To learn more about the city you may visit one of the best resources online: https://vladivostok-city.com/index
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the International Vladivostok Marathon?
Far East of Russia is not as far as you may think, just come, run and enjoy!
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Interview with Polina Kupchik, Sports Manager of International Vladivostok Marathon.