Running in Russia

For most of the past month, I have been in Kazan, Russia attending the 2013 World University Summer Games as the Assistant Chef de Mission for Team Canada. The event is best described as similar to an Olympics but for university students. It is the second largest multi-sport Games after the Olympics.

Although I was there for work for a month, I did have some brief moments of free time where I was able to get a few runs in.

My first few runs were confined to the Athletes Village where I was living and working 24/7. Here, I was able to run with a few colleagues, explore various unseen spots in the village and get some exercise in amidst all of the busy-ness.

 

Here I am biking in the village – no photos of running though

My last run was my long awaited run…after almost 4 weeks in the city of Kazan, on my last evening there, I was finally able to explore the city on the run. I was exhausted that day after a long few weeks (months, actually) but knew it was my last chance.

I am glad I got out there because it was more beautiful than any other parts of Kazan I had seen. I left my hotel (the Marriott) which was right downtown beside the Kazan Kremlin and headed towards the water.

I ran through the Universiade park and by many beautiful, old buildings.

I wasn’t sure what to expect on my run, and if there would even be a sidewalk for me to follow but to my surprise there was an entire pathway built along the Kazanka River. It was very new and not quite complete yet, but it was better than I expected.

I ran eastward along the path with the Kremlin and other government building behind me until the newly constructed pathway ended and I turned around to  trace my steps back.

Running towards the sunset on a river overlooking Kazan was amazing – it was a good highlight to my month long trip and I had a chance to reflect on everything that had taken place.

The pathway ended at the Kazan Kremlin and although I had been inside the large fortress several times, I thought taking my run there would be interesting.

Inside the walls of the Kremlin lie some beautiful religious and government buildings, and the history within this city is just amazing.

After a good 40 minutes out, I made my way back to my hotel – pleased with my run, and with my month in Kazan.

Spasiba (thank you), Kazan – I can now add one more city to the list of cities Running in Transit has made it to!

M.