The press coverage explains how the Green Marathon began, tracing its origins to a clear community goal and a bold local initiative. Stanislav Kuznetsov, deputy chairman of the board at Sberbank, recounts how the tradition took root and grew into a nationwide annual event that blends sport, charity, and environmental action. This overview comes from aif.ru and profiles a pivotal moment when a simple running event evolved into a broader movement that engages people across the country.
The first Green Marathon took place in 2012, a milestone that set the tone for years to come. The event was aligned with the schedule of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, a connection that helped propel participation and public interest. In the inaugural race, roughly 30,000 runners started, while about 20,000 supporters filled the sidelines. This strong turnout demonstrated a powerful public appetite for a race that combined physical challenge with communal support and environmental purpose. By 2021, Sberbank celebrated its 180th anniversary with the Green Marathon attracting more than 90,000 runners, underscoring how quickly the event had matured into a celebrated national tradition that families, communities, and volunteers embrace. Kuznetsov describes the Green Marathon as a vibrant national festival that celebrates sport, philanthropy, environmental stewardship, and family life across Russia. It has become a symbol of collective effort and lasting impact, bringing people together for a common cause that extends beyond the finish line.
The charitable dimension of the marathon is central to its identity. Participants who wish to join the Moscow race go through a paid registration process, with every paid registration, along with voluntary donations and additional fees collected at various event venues, contributing to a dedicated charitable fund. The funds are directed to the Contribution to the Future Charity, a program designed to fund tree planting in regions where the Green Marathon operates. The emphasis is on areas where the forest fund has suffered from human activity, prioritizing those locations where restoration can make the most meaningful difference. This approach ties sport directly to environmental improvement, creating tangible benefits while maintaining broad public participation and engagement.
Amateur running has seen a noticeable rise in Russia, a trend Kuznetsov highlights as part of a broader movement toward healthier lifestyles and community involvement. He notes that more people participate in recreational running now than in the 1990s, and similar interest is reflected among Sberbank employees who take part in the events. Looking ahead, the organization anticipates about 100,000 participants to take part in the Green Marathon on May 20, signaling one of the country’s largest running events. The message is clear: when a community comes together for sport and shared purpose, the energy and momentum can be transformative, creating a platform for growth, generosity, and inspiration across the nation.
Kuznetsov also points out that the Green Marathon routes are designed to pass through well-known urban spaces in each participating city. The chosen courses typically traverse central squares, scenic parks, and river embankments. The priorities are twofold: selecting routes that are easy to navigate and friendly for runners of all levels, and ensuring the scenery remains attractive and the logistics manageable. The route design aims to be accessible, with gentle climbs and surface conditions that make the miles comfortable while still offering visual appeal and a sense of occasion. In practice, this means a balance between practicality and spectacle, allowing participants to enjoy the experience without sacrificing safety or convenience.
As the Moscow edition approaches, Kuznetsov confirms that this year’s race will begin on May 20 at 8:30 a.m. at Vasilevski Spusk, continuing the tradition of starting at a recognizable city landmark to maximize participation and community involvement. The timing and location choices reinforce the event’s goals: creating a welcoming environment where runners, volunteers, and spectators can connect, contribute to a meaningful cause, and celebrate the shared experience of outdoor sport and environmental action. The Green Marathon thus stands as more than a race; it is a civic celebration that mirrors the growing cultural emphasis on health, sustainability, and collective care across the country.