Representatives of Derzhavin University, including Associate Professor Mikhail Bespalov, Chief Accountant, Ph.D. in Economics, and Sifeddin El Bouanani, a medical student doing the Endocrinology Residency Program took part in the Kazan Marathon. This is the largest road race in Russia, held in the capital of Tatarstan.
This year, Kazan brought together over 34,000 athletes, both professionals and amateurs, who ran various distances: 42.2 km, 21.1 km, 10 km, 3 km, and children's races.
The Derzhavin University team completed the full marathon distance of 42.2 km.
- I’ve been involved in sports since childhood, mostly team sports like football. I got into running in 2020 thanks to Vladimir Stromov, who actively promoted amateur sports at the University. I started with short distances from 3 to 10 kilometers. Then I progressed to a half-marathon and two regional marathons. I participate in the Derzhavin Mile every year. The Kazan Marathon was my first major marathon at the federal level, says Mikhail Bespalov. - The preparation for a marathon takes at least three to four months. After securing a slot, I began intensive training with a dedicated program. My result was 4,061st place out of 5,682, with a time of 4 hours, 22 minutes, and 53 seconds. I’d like to improve it by at least 5-7 minutes. In amateur sports, absolute results aren’t the main focus, though of course, I want to beat my personal best. What matters most is immersing yourself in running culture, experiencing the running community, soaking up positive energy, and exploring Kazan, one of Russia’s sports hubs.
Derzhavin University staff members cheered on the athletes as a support group.
- The support from my fans was crucial for me. They provided me with nutrition along the route and kept me motivated with chants. We were one team! notes Mikhail Bespalov.
Derzhavin University was also represented by a medical residency student Sifeddin El Bouanani, a professional runner who has won multiple Derzhavin Mile races in long-distance events. His marathon result was 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 58 seconds.
- I’ve been involved in sports for 20 years and love running long distances. Thanks to my coach Vladislav Kamenskikh, I’ve been able to train and compete in polyathlon and athletics, says Sifeddin El Bouanani. - I decided to test myself in the Kazan race. It was my third marathon. The run was exciting, the course was great, and the weather was perfect. The marathon was a valuable experience, and the university’s support made it even more special.
Mikhail Bespalov plans to establish an amateur running club at the University to promote a healthy lifestyle and enable interested staff and students to participate in amateur races.
