🏃♂️ Running for inspiration: the Nelson Mandela Marathon was held in Cape Town! On October 18, the Nelson Mandela Marathon was held in Cape Town for the first time — a sporting event dedicated to the legacy of one of the most famous South Africans in history. For thousands of participants, it’s not just an opportunity to test their endurance, but also a way to pay tribute to a man who, through his courage, resilience, and belief in justice, inspired and continues to inspire people around the world. 👀 Of course, our special correspondent didn’t miss the opportunity to keep an eye on what was happening on the course. Not a single participant escaped his keen gaze — including the Consul General of Russia in Cape Town, Ruslan Golubovskiy, who completed the 21.5‑km distance! And after he finished, we decided to ask him about his impressions! — Why did you decide to take part? What was your motivation? First and foremost, it was the example of Nelson Mandela. This is a person who showed the whole world how important mental strength, determination, and the ability to not give up even in the most difficult circumstances are. I think these qualities are important not only in life but also in sports. When you’re running and it gets hard, you can’t help but think of people who have overcome much more serious challenges. This helps you keep moving forward! — What did you remember most during the race? Of course, the route itself! It was especially interesting to run through the historic streets of Cape Town, which are connected to the city’s history and the heritage of the era. The route reminded us of the importance of preserving historical memory. Also, the Bo‑Kaap district left a very strong impression: the local residents supported the runners and treated them to traditional South African sweets — koeksisters. But perhaps the strongest impression was made by the support of the people throughout the entire distance. It was amazing to see how many residents simply took to the streets on their day off to cheer on complete strangers. They applauded, smiled, and shouted words of encouragement — and all of this created an incredible atmosphere of unity. At such moments, you realize especially acutely that a marathon is not just about running, but also about people. It seemed that behind every turn, an unspoken motto was echoing: “Madiba did it — so you can too!” After that, it somehow feels awkward to stop! — Do you have a sports idol? Absolutely! He’s our compatriot and my longtime friend, Vladimir Kotov — an outstanding ultramarathoner who has won the legendary Comrades ultra‑marathon in South Africa three times. His achievements command great respect. Such athletes prove that the boundaries of human potential are much broader than we sometimes think. We’ve known each other for almost 20 years. Vladimir Kotov has always been an example for me — someone I wanted to emulate. The marathon is over, but it seems the inspiration stayed with us. After all, in the end, what matters is not just the result at the finish line, but the journey each of us takes to reach our goal. And if you’re also treated to something along the way — well, that’s almost the perfect run! 🇿🇦🇷🇺