Ufa, Russian Federation - Young Peace Ambassadors have taken up the "Run Hour” that began in 2008 in Yekaterinburg. On April 4, the sports event started in Yekaterinburg at 2:00 pm, and then the baton was picked up in Ufa, capital of the Bashkir Republic. This time, there were not as many participants as expected. However, the excitement of the relay race, including the flag and badges, and also joyful communication and laughing, attracted attention of young passers-by who walked around on that lovely day.
In Yekaterinburg, runners met young girls who were sitting on the neighboring bench; then along came a woman with her little son on roller skates. Finally there came participants in yet another track-and-field event who were passing by after their event was finished. It was decided to route the path for running through the historical park on the coming Sunday so that participants in both sports events could run part of the distance together.
In Ufa, after the "Run Hour” the youth were joined by eight young people, and they enjoyed competing in a game of football.
When warmer weather comes, "Run Hour” events will be held two to four times a month. On April 24, the tradition will expand into an All-Russia campaign for healthy lifestyle as part of the Spring Week of Goodness.
Details can be found on the project website. Watch a brief youtube video.
Note: Ufa is capital of Bashkir Republic, located between the Volga River and the southern Urals.