The Orthodox community of Melitopol held the Pervoyanvarsky race in Gorky Park. This was told by a correspondent of the Zaporozhye News Agency.
The organizers of the physical education event were the Melitopol deanery of the Russian Orthodox Church, and its participants were priests, parishioners of churches, members of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Zaporozhye region and the sports community of the city, including families.
The event began, as it should, with a warm-up, which was conducted by a "marathon runner" with experience, and at the finish they were greeted by Santa Claus, who wished everyone a happy new year. After overcoming the distance, representatives of a healthy lifestyle competed in the art of brewing fragrant tea — everyone brought with them a thermos with a branded herbal drink.
"January 1 is the beginning of the new year, it's a day when, according to tradition, everyone usually sits next to the TV, eats olivier and drinks champagne. We decided to break this tradition and start forming a new one. We held a "sober run" to show everyone how to celebrate the new year," said Archpriest Maxim Smirnov, dean of the churches of Melitopol.