On May 23rd, the All-Russian «Zabeg» Half Marathon took place in St. Petersburg, bringing together hundreds of participants on the city’s streets. This report details how the Northern Capital transformed into a course of support and warmth on that day—from cheering fans holding signs to touching reunions at the finish line. Read more in the article.
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10 Kilometers of Happiness: The Story of the St. Petersburg Half Marathon, Where Even Police Clapped
On the morning of May 23, St. Petersburg awoke earlier than usual. Music blared at the foot of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the wind ruffled the flags of the All-Russian Half Marathon «Zabeg, ” and hundreds of people filled the city’s streets. Some were still running; others were crossing the finish line, breathing heavily and smiling through their exhaustion. On this day, St. Petersburg became more than just a city—it was a long course of support, strength, and human warmth.
On the morning of May 23rd, the Northern Capital forgot about the rain and wind. The sun gilded the dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and along the embankment, hundreds of runners moved along the course in an endless stream. Their faces were varied: focused, weary, happy.Seagulls circled above the marathon runners, as if they, too, were full participants. Yachts and small boats sailed along the Neva. They buzzed, as if encouraging the runners.At a turn on the marathon course, a living wall of spectators gathered, loudly and cheerfully shouting words of encouragement:— Come on! Keep going!
— Only a little bit left!
The group of girls holding pink, fluffy pompoms stands out in particular. They jump, blow into trumpets, and hold a banner with the motivational phrase: «Run like a girl.»Even the police officers lining the cordon are cheering on the runners.«Come on, come on, you’re amazing! Just a little more!» shouted the captain in his uniform.But the most exciting thing happens not at the start, but at the finish. There, by the white tents, hang dozens and hundreds of medals. They jingle loudly in the wind and sparkle under the May sun. The volunteers don’t have time to rest—the finishers keep arriving and arriving.
Medals are already hanging on the chests of many. Some raise their awards to the sun to take a photo against the sky, others immediately call their loved ones via video chat, and some ask their running partner:
«What was your heart rate like?» «I stopped watching after the eighth kilometer. I just ran to the end.»
Near the finish line, a little girl, about six years old, holds a medal that looks larger than her palm. Her mother, who just completed 10 kilometers, stands next to her. The girl approaches and kisses her mother’s sweat-damp cheek.
A little further away, a gray-haired grandmother offers her granddaughter a bouquet of lilacs.
And near St. Isaac’s Cathedral, music continues to play, blending with cheers of «well done» and the jingle of medals.
