Gazprom EP International experts ran the XXX White Nights International Marathon on 30 June 2019 in Saint Petersburg. The sportsmen from 68 countries and 81 regions of Russia took part in the anniversary run.

Over 3800 people toed the starting line of the marathon distance of 42 km and 195 m. Gazprom EP International team competed with 6000 sportsmen in the 10 km satellite run.     

This time Sergey Ananyev, Deputy Head of Static & Dynamic Modeling Division, was the best among the men of Gazprom EP International – 50 minutes and 16 seconds. Oksana Elster, Lead Specialist of Cost Estimation Division, was the fastest among the women. Her result was 1 hour 05 minutes and 9 seconds.

After crossing the finish line, the participants gave interviews sharing their emotions.

Sergey Ananyev:

“The White Nights is one of the most famous annual runs in Saint Petersburg in which thousands of people partake from professionals to beginners and amateurs. Andwith every passing year the number of participants increases. It’s my second year in a row and I can say that the events like this inspire new achievements. The route passes through the historical parts of the city – the Palace Square, the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island and the Peter and Paul Fortress. I could talk endlessly about the support from the spectators along the distance. Some hold funny posters, others sprinkle you with cool water and cheer you up when the going gets tough: “Come on, there’s not so much left!” It helps you to pull yourself together and continue running with even more energy. I am glad that this sport attracts more and more people every year. After all, the main goal is not to achieve a perfect result, but self-victory and improvement of your own results”.    

Alexey Trigubov:

“For me running is a way to keep shape, an opportunity to enjoy scenic views and find a unique way to meditate. It was the second time in my life that I ran such a long distance and this time I improved my previous result by 3 minutes. It gets only better! I enjoy participating in mass sports events. It's nice to know that there are a lot of people around you who are united by the idea of leading a healthy lifestyle.”   

Ilya Shaposhnikov:

“Team participation in sports events always has a positive effect on staff morale. The White Nights marathon provides an excellent opportunity to run along the beautiful embankments and bridges of St. Petersburg and, gladly, in the end every runner is awarded a commemorative medal. I have the most pleasant impressions from the support and applause of complete strangers along the distance. It was great to see tourists taking pictures in surprise at the sight of a huge crowd running along the streets blocked for traffic.”  

Background

Gazprom EP International is the sole specialized enterprise for implementing Gazprom's projects in the areas of prospecting, exploration and development of hydrocarbons. The company is currently involved in nearly 40 projects of different scale in 20 countries across three continents.

Gazprom EP International maintains high corporate and social standards of the Gazprom Group, and pays particular attention to encouraging healthy lifestyles and sports among its employees around the world.

The White Nights International Marathon is held to promote a healthy lifestyle, friendly international sports relationships and tourism, and name the strongest marathon runners in St. Petersburg. The marathon is one of the largest running competitions in the Russian Federation. Men and women born in 1998 and older are allowed running the marathon distance. Participants born in 2003 and older are allowed running the distance of 10 km. The first White Nights Marathon was held in 1990 in Leningrad.