Green Marathon: A Nationwide Celebration of Health and Community
The Chairman of the Board, German Gref, took part in the most popular segment of the traditional Green Marathon, clinching victory in the 4.2-kilometer run. This event, organized annually by Sberbank, marked its tenth edition and drew more than 110 thousand participants from 60 cities across the country, reinforcing its status as a leading sports festival in Russia.
The Green Marathon program began at Vasilyevsky Spusk in Moscow and featured a range of races for different skill levels. A 500-meter dash was set aside for young children, while the 4.2-kilometer course allowed individual runners and teams to compete. For the first time, Nordic Walking enthusiasts joined this distance, and there was a separate test for wheelchair users in the 10-kilometer race. The longest routes extended to 21.1 kilometers and 42.2 kilometers, offering challenging options for seasoned runners.
After crossing the finish line, German Gref praised the atmosphere, noting that spectators and participants alike cheered each other on. He explained that the distance was manageable for him, since his daily routine includes about five kilometers of running. The Sberbank leader stressed the importance of regular exercise, sharing that he dedicates roughly an hour to an hour and a half each morning to his health to maintain peak physical condition, because performance is closely tied to daily activity.
The Green Marathon carries a dual mission: it promotes a healthy lifestyle among Russians and functions as a charity event. Organizers describe their central goal as raising funds to assist children with special needs. Families with such children often require comprehensive support, including psychological, pedagogical, and financial assistance to help those children thrive.
Fundraising continues as part of the World of Open Opportunities initiative in collaboration with Sberbank’s charitable foundation Contribution to the Future. Donations are welcomed in every city hosting the Green Marathon, with the campaign continuing through September 1, 2023. The event’s ongoing fundraising underscores the broader commitment to inclusive opportunity and community support.
In a statement reported by the organizers, German Gref highlighted a new and meaningful aim for the marathon this year—helping children with disabilities, especially those in war-torn regions. He expressed that this mission inspires many people to contribute. During the fundraising phase, substantial support poured in, illustrating the power of collective action to make a tangible difference for those in need.