SSU students and staff participated in the All-Russia Olympic Day Run in the Victory Park on September 27.

Governor V.V. Radaev welcomed the race participants. “This sporting event has gathered representatives of all municipal units. And here today we have those we should look up to – Saratov sportsmen who won their ticket to the national Olympic team. We also look to our veterans. It is great to see a lot of young people and children among the participants”. Among future Olympic team members is a SSU student Kira Stepanova, master of sports in canoeing.

The competition had three stages. Among amateur participants were a lot of SSU students, graduate students and teachers. Saratov Region Governor V.V. Radaev led the first 500 meters run. SSU Rector A.N. Chumachenko was among the honored guests for this distance. He shared that he takes great pleasure participating in this sporting event second year in a row to support Saratov State University sportsmen.

The second run was for regional mass media workers. SSU alumni Christina Karpova, Vesti.Sport journalist won the individual classifications.

The rest of the participants had the longest run – 1 km. Saratov University sportsmen won all men and women races. Alena Zhadaev was the first among women. Marina Khurtova and Angelina Zubova came second and third correspondingly.

Among men, Aleksandr Shapenkov was the best. Roman Liverovski and Victor Yudin won the second and third places. In overall standings Saratov State University won the first place in the Olympic Run Day.

Cross participants shared that it is very pleasant to win competitions like that, but it is difficult at the same time especially when competing with one’s colleagues and friends.  “My rivals were very strong and willing to win, that might be the reason that all winners are from our University”, said Aleksandr Shapenkov. Alena Zhadaev won the bronze medal and Aleksandr Shapenkov were the fifth among the best athletes in the Russian Relay Race Championship in September.