Dhaka: The spirit of international friendship, fitness, and cultural exchange was on full display as the Russian One Run Half Marathon successfully concluded in Bangladesh today (Saturday), said a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was held simultaneously with other cities around the world, drawing enthusiastic participation from hundreds of runners, athletes, diplomats, and fitness enthusiasts. This year, participants from twenty-five countries united under the banner of ‘OneRun, OneGoal, OneWorld, OneLove OneLife.’ Over 220,000 people ran globally, marking the first time the event was hosted in Bangladesh. Nearly 1,000 runners, including members of running communities, students, diplomats, Ruppur Officials from Russia, veteran runners, kids, and government officials, took part in this global running event across Hatirjheel. The marathon featured four categories: 21.1km, 10km, 5km, and 1km.
Ambassador H.E. Alexander KHOZIN from the Russian Embassy expressed pride in hosting the Russian One Run Half Marathon in Bangladesh, emphasizing the event’s role in promoting health, fitness, and strengthening friendly ties between nations. The Chief Legal Officer of Hero League Russia, Kustareva Liubov, promised to make next year’s event even more grand and successful.
GamePlay Chairman Faisal Titumir conducted the closing prize-giving ceremony at Hatirjheel Amphitheatre, aiming to introduce more international sports activities in Bangladesh. GamePlay CEO Maksum-Ul-Hossain thanked all participants and highlighted future collaborations with other nations for international sports and cultural events. Deputy Ambassador of the Russian Embassy Ms. Ekaterina Semenova and Chuti Resort Managing Director Alamgir Ferdous were also present at the ceremony.
Finishers and winners received medals from Russia, while category winners received additional gifts from sponsors. Chuti Resort was the title sponsor, with support from Cosmos Group, Brothers Furniture, Green Bangla Cottage, Active Pulse, Treat, United Hospital, Dr. Water, Jheel Maestria, Ama Coffee, Swing, UNB, Polar, and Akij Motors.
The marathon was co-organized by Hero League, Russia, and GamePlay Limited, Bangladesh. GamePlay has been working with ‘Sports Diplomacy’ in Bangladesh since 2018, collaborating with various Embassies, High Commissions, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hero League, renowned for mass sporting events in Russia, has achieved the Guinness World Records twice for the world’s largest synchronized half-marathon.
The event celebrated global unity through sport, aligning with the international One Run Movement, an initiative encouraging countries to come together in a synchronized celebration of health, peace, and solidarity. The success of the marathon sets a strong precedent for future international sports collaborations in Bangladesh, with organizers committed to making such cultural-sporting exchanges a recurring platform for unity, fitness, and diplomacy.