Long Distances, Lively Support, and White-and-Blue Jerseys

More than 30 students and staff from HSE University, including the rector, took part in the Kazan Marathon. Participants ran distances from 3 km to the full marathon and organised three lively cheering stations, where even the most exhausted runners found the strength to smile.

In early May 2025, members of HSE’s Running Club joined thousands of other participants at the start line of the Kazan Marathon. As with most mass races, experienced athletes, amateurs, and first-timers all came together on the course. One of HSE’s most recognisable features was the club’s bright branded jerseys—white and blue in the university’s colours—which made it easier to spot fellow runners on the track.

Another highlight was HSE’s three cheering stations located at the 18th, 32nd, and 41st kilometres. These spots became crucial for many runners: at the 18 km mark, half-marathoners picked up the pace; at 32 km, they battled the infamous ‘energy dip’; and at 41 km, they geared up for the final push. Those who had run shorter distances the day before brought energy and motivation to the course, shouting ‘Faster! HSE! Stronger!’, waving flags, and high-fiving runners. Several runners even crossed the finish line carrying the HSE flag.

Olga Spirina, Manager at the HSE Printing Office, ran the half-marathon. ‘What I remember most is the festive atmosphere and Kazan’s sunny weather,’ she shared. ‘It was great to meet runners from other regions of Russia, exchange a few words or a high-five. But even more memorable was seeing the HSE cheering group at the 18th kilometre—they really pushed me to keep going. It was loud, vibrant and beautiful.’

A few HSE teachers and students made significant personal achievements. Arsenii Mishin, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, set a personal best, finishing the marathon in 3.5 hours; Tatiana Lobok, Deputy Head of the Centre for Educational Model Design, completed her first 3 km run; and first-year MIEM student Mikhail Chagin (Bachelor’s programme in Information and Communication Technologies and Systems) took silver in his age category. ‘This was my second marathon, so I knew what I was capable of and my goal was to improve my time,’ he said. ‘I aimed to finish in under 3:20, and I did it—3:17:41—which earned me second place in the 18–19 age group. The most vivid moment was realising at the 35 km mark that I was on track for my target time and still had energy left.’

After the race, HSE athletes explored the city’s main streets, the Kremlin and the Kazanka embankment—some of which were part of the marathon route. On the way back to Pokrovka campus by bus, the group shared their emotions, results, and plans for the upcoming White Nights marathon in St Petersburg.

The HSE Running Club is open to all HSE students and teachers. There are always cheering stations at major races, branded shirts are provided to participants, and training sessions help everyone prepare without stress. More details are available in Russian on the website and Telegram channel.

May 13