On September 21, the All Russia Cross of the Nation 2014 will take place in Irkutsk Region, with over five thousand residents taking part. In Irkutsk, famous regional athletes will join the race, and participants will face distances from 1000 meters to 12 km, with winners awarded and entertainment for spectators.

On September 21, the All-Russian Running Day “Cross of the Nation – 2014” will be held in the municipalities of the Irkutsk Region. More than five thousand residents of the Angara region will take part in this event. This year, “Cross of the Nation – 2014” will be held in 83 regions of the Russian Federation. In total, according to estimates, about 500 thousand Russians will take part in the mass sporting starts. This was reported by Pavel Nikitin, Minister of Physical Culture, Sports and Youth Policy of the Irkutsk Region.
Collective applications to participate in the organization of “Cross of the Nation” have already been submitted by 24 municipalities of the region. These include the Bratsk, Irkutsk, Kirensky, Kachugsky, Kazachinsko-Lensky, Nizhneudinsky, Mamsko-Chuisky, Ust-Kutsky, Taishetsky, and Ust-Ilimsky districts, as well as Sayansk, Ust-Ilimsk, and other municipalities.
- “In the Irkutsk Region, the All-Russian Running Day will be held for the eighth time already. On this day, all running enthusiasts and supporters of a healthy lifestyle come out to show their commitment to the sports movement. In addition,
in Irkutsk, well-known athletes of the region will also take part in ‘Cross of the Nation - 2014’ — Elena Bolsun, Elena Zadorozhnaya, and many others.” - Pavel Nikitin said.
The running competitions within the sports event will be held over several distances: a 4 km mass run (participants aged 9 and older), 6 km, 8 km, 12 km, and a VIP run over 1000 meters for children under 9 years old. Everyone who wishes may take part in the mass run; applications are already being accepted at: 81 Barrikad Street, by phone: 33-64-79.
The gathering of participants is scheduled for 12:00 noon. The start of the 4 km mass run will take place at 13:00 from the monument to Alexander III, then along the route: Gagarin Boulevard – Chkalov Street – 5th Army Street – K. Marx Street – Gagarin Boulevard (finish at the monument to Alexander III). The VIP run (start at 13:30) and the 6, 8, and 12 km runs are planned to be held along the alleys of the Angara River embankment on Gagarin Boulevard, with the start and finish at the monument to Alexander III. During “Cross of the Nation,” the streets of Irkutsk involved in the sports event will be closed to traffic by traffic police officers.
Participants in the cross-country race who take honorable first, second, and third places in each age group will be awarded prizes, medals, and diplomas from the Ministry of Sports of Russia. The winners of the competitions in each age group will be presented with cups from the Ministry of Sports of Russia. Also, especially for the youngest and the most experienced participant of “Cross of the Nation,” the organizing committee has provided special prizes. For spectators and fans who attend the mass event, contests and an entertainment program will be organized.
Based on materials from the press service of the Ministry of Physical Culture, Sports and Youth Policy of the Irkutsk Region.