“Your soul mate” – this is exactly the motto of one of the most popular half marathons in Russia and the most popular 21.1 km race, which takes place in the very center of St. Petersburg. Yes, of course, we are talking about the “Northern capital”. And if you haven’t heard the details about the start yet, you should definitely read this article.
What we will tell you about:
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History of the North Capital Half Marathon
The first participants of the half marathon – 2,578 – started on August 5, 2018. Then the sports program of the race included two distances to choose from: 21.1 km and 10 km, as well as a corporate relay race. The organizers wanted to introduce the residents of St. Petersburg to the city’s running community. This tradition, by the way, continued a year later.
In 2018, the running community organised races for children for the first time as part of the Northern Capital St. Petersburg Half Marathon. Young runners under the age of 14 took part in the 400m and 800m races, depending on their age.
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In 2019, 6,353 athletes took to the start line, including 13 corporate teams. In addition to the standard 21.1km and 10km races, the half marathon included a “Reaching the Goal” charity run over a distance of 1520m. All participant entry fees were donated to the Life Line charity.
The years 2020 and 2021 brought their own adjustments to the usual half marathon programme, but, despite the difficult epidemiological situation in Russia and in the world, in these years the race was held in compliance with all sanitary standards. The situation in the city at the time of the event was stable and allowed such an event to be held. However, during these years no children’s races were held.
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In 2022, like many other races in the Running Community Series, a fan program was implemented for the first time. It is not possible to count them, but there were 7,755 runners.
In 2023, the half marathon included a relay race for everyone for the first time. Anyone could gather their team and run the “half” together with their friends. Until then, only the corporate relay race was held within the framework of the Northern Capital. In total, 30 teams took part that year and the total number of participants was 8,447 people. Pacemakers became an important innovation last year. We will tell you about who they are and why they are necessary a little later.
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Features of the North Capital Half Marathon – 2024
The upcoming race returns to its original concept and continues to introduce participants and spectators to the city’s running community. And here it is worth noting that it is not just about running: the day before, a public talk will be held with representatives of seven running clubs in St. Petersburg.
Co-Founder of the Running Community
“This year, the corporate style of the race has been updated. The design of the Northern Capital Half Marathon is inspired by the dynamic image of the city. St. Petersburg, filled with a special atmosphere and romance, has always attracted people of creative professions. The combination of classical, modern and street art is what the Northern capital literally breathes, and now this is the beginning.”
The venues have also been changed: the children’s race will now be held on the territory of VOKZAL 1853. The starting line will be occupied by very young but determined athletes aged 4 to 13 (the race for the under-three age group is no longer maintained). They will cover distances of 400 or 800 m.
Prizes will be awarded to the three boys and girls who are the first to reach the finish line in each age group (this will be the first time this will be done for all categories). And, of course, all the little finalists will receive medals.
There are also changes for adults: on the territory of VOKZAL 1853 there will also be a new place for the delivery of starter packages. And this year there will be no group of elite runners.
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Capital Norte Half Marathon Schedule
The kids’ race will take place on September 21, and the half marathon, relay and 10km race will take place on September 22. Find out more about this weekend’s program below.
Friday, September 20
11:00-20:00 – registration of new participants (subject to availability) and issuance of departure packages to registered athletes. Opening hours of the Sports Exhibition.
Saturday, September 21
10:00-18:00 – registration of new participants (subject to availability) and issuance of departure packages to registered athletes. Opening hours of the Sports Exhibition.10:00-12:30 – registration of new participants (subject to availability) and issuance of departure packages to athletes registered in the Children’s Race.12:00 – opening of changing rooms and children’s entertainment for the participants of the Children’s Race.13:00-15:30 – Children’s race.
Sunday, September 22
7:00 – opening of the departure city, start of operation of changing rooms and storage rooms.8:30 – start of the 10 km race.9:10 – start of the 21.1 km race and relays.11:00 – awarding of winners and prize winners.12:30 – end of the race.
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Route of the half marathon of the Northern Capital
Participants will be able to choose between two distances: 10 and 21.1 km. Both routes run in a circle through the historic centre of St. Petersburg. Runners will have a unique opportunity to appreciate the main attractions of the city on the banks of the Neva. These include the Kazan Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Rostral Columns, the Admiralty and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. The start and finish are on Palace Square. More details about the routes can be found below.
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How will the “Capital del Norte” half marathon unfold?
The start will be divided into several streams – groups. Yours will be indicated on the start number, after which all you have to do is find the required letter in the start city. Please note: you can only start the race in your own group or in a later group – you may be disqualified for starting the race early;
All participants in the race are one big family of runners, so please pay attention to each other and if someone gets sick, help them get to the doctor. To avoid collisions, we recommend not using headphones. For safety reasons, it is forbidden to use any means of transport on the track, from roller skates to scooters, as well as to run with strollers and animals.
Runners will be assisted. pacemaker – These are experienced athletes who will run a distance at a set pace. You will be able to watch them and maintain the desired running intensity. They are easy to spot in the crowd; they wear special T-shirts and flags indicating the pace and finishing time.
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Time:
00:01:29 (4:13 min/km).00:01:39 (4:41 min/km).00:01:49 (5:10 min/km).00:01:59 (5: 38 min/km).00:02:09 (6:06 min/km).00:02:19 (6:35 min/km).
The time limit for completing the half marathon distance is three hours. The finish line closes at 12:30.
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Results
The race results are determined in three ways at once: an electronic timing system, judges at the finish line, and a video recording system – this will make them as accurate as possible. Personal time will be recorded from crossing the start line to crossing the finish line. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, do not fold or store your starting number next to magnets, as it contains a special chip. And so that the judges can see your number better, stick it on your chest.
Preliminary results will be sent by email and SMS to the number specified during registration. Final results will be published on the website.
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All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and the most distinguished athletes will receive prizes. Participants in the half marathon are awarded prizes from first to fifth place among men and women in the overall championship. In the half marathon distance, prizes are also awarded in age groups from first to third place for men and women.
If you are not ready to run yet, you can come and support the athletes. But we strongly do not recommend skipping a race of this magnitude.
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