Records of Minsk Half Marathon-2016
Minsk Half Marathon-2016, with Belagroprombank as a General Partner of the Prize Pool, demonstrated numerous achievements. Firstly, the half marathon beat the record of the number of participants by gathering more than 20 000 runners. Secondly, new track records were set for men and women.
A record number of half marathon runners – over 20 thousand – came up to the start line. There were so many people running that the last runners got to the start line 6 minutes from the moment the starting signal was fired.
The corporate team of Belagroprombank and the costumed character Agrik also took part in the half marathon.
The spectators were actively cheering for all participants of the half marathon
All registered participants of the half marathon who got to the finish line received commemorative medals with different ribbon colour: yellow ribbon –5,5 km, white ribbon –10,5 km, and blue ribbon– 21,1 km
The winner of the main race became the 22-year old Hillary Kiptum Maiyo Kimaiyo (Kenya) who completed the 21,097 km race in 1 hour 3 minutes. He beat his previous track record by more than one and a half minute. The second place went to Albert Kibet Rop (Kenya) who was 38 seconds behind the winner. The third-place winner became the fastest runner of the last year’s half marathon Vitali Shafar (Ukraine) finishing with a time of 1:04:12.
Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC Belagroprombank Siarhei Chuhai (on the far left) presented the awards to the winners. In addition to other valuable prizes, the prize winners got fluffy toys of Agrik with a logotype of the Minsk Half Marathon
Olga Mazurenok (Belarus) became a two-time winner of the half-marathon by completing the race in 1:11:44 and improved the best set women track record by 28 seconds. Nina Savina (Belarus) was 6 seconds behind and took the second place. Stella Parsosio Jepmesich (Kenya) finished third in 1:12:48.
The prize money of the half marathon was provided by Belagroprombank. Each winner of the most prestigious distance received 6 000 BYN. They also got an additional bonus of 2 000 BYN for setting up new track records.
Belagroprombank’s employees also participated in Minsk Half Marathon-2016. Each participant of the bank’s corporate team ran a 5,5 km race. Besides, Deputy Head of Internal Control Department Sergei Morozko and chief specialist of Retail Services Support Department Natallia Smelova completed a 21 km race and shared their experience:
— It was easy to run. The first half of the distance felt like a breeze. In the second half it became more difficult to keep up the pace. Nevertheless, support of the dearest and nearest, the festive atmosphere and participation in such an interesting event helped me not to give up and successfully complete the race! The sense of accomplishments motivated me to move forward, — said Natallia Smelova.
Sergei Morozko (see photo above) did not specifically train for the half marathon:
— I am doing CrossFit and thought it would be enough. I started out at a fast pace, but at 16 km my legs stopped obeying me. As a result, I ran my last 200 meters with cramps in both legs. It was difficult, nevertheless I completed the race. Getting the cherished medal meant that I did not give up and reached my goal.
Belagroprombank’s corporate team at Minsk Half Marathon-2016. Our 12 colleagues ran a 5,5km race
— I thoroughly enjoyed my first half marathon, — said Alexander Pekarsky. — My only target was to cross the finish line, and I did it. Even though it was not a 21 km race, nevertheless I made it through. At the finish I felt inspired and proud to have pulled through.
—I completed a 5km race in 27 minutes and 1 second and was pleasantly surprised with my result, as before the start line I had set a target for myself to complete the race in less than 30 minutes, —Olga Korsak shared her emotions at the finish line. — I ran a race on a single breath and did not even notice it. I have already made up my mind that next year I will run a 10 km race.
— I ran at a comfortable pace, and I am quite happy with my result. The running conditions were very favourable. The cheering of the fans and a scenic route in the heart of the city motivated and uplifted spirit. The most important things are self-confidence, comfortable sneakers and the desire to go the extra mile, — reckons chief translator Olga Savitskaya.
At the end of the half marathon the organizers announced about their ambitious plans to increase the number of participants, therefore, we will expect new records. Every victory starts with a little victory– a victory over oneself. The participants of Belagroprombank’s corporate team made it through and reached their goal. You are invited to join healthy lifestyle lovers. Start running now, and we look forward to seeing you at Minsk Half Marathon-2017!
