The 46th Murmansk ski marathon, which took place within the framework of the 85th anniversary Festival of the North, was launched in the sports complex «Dolina uyuta». On the first day in the competition took part approximately 1160 skiers representing 15 countries and 70 regions of Russia, including the Paralympic national team in cross-country skiing and biathlon.
A children's race «March of kids» was held prior to the start of the marathon. Northerners from 5 to 8 years old succeeded in their short distance of 200 meters.
The head of the Murmansk region Andrey Chibis wished a good luck to all participants of the competition.
Andrey Chibis also discussed the sports potential of the Murmansk region and promising areas which require the particular attention with the leaders of the regional sports Committee and special guests. The head of the Murmansk especially noted Kirovsk as a ski resort and Teriberka, which attracts more and more fans of kiteboarding.
Alexey Petukhov, winner of the Olympic Games in Vancouver, became a winner of the first day of the Murmansk marathon.
