About 600 people ran in a charity race in support of Amur tigers and Far Eastern leopards as part of the 3^rd Eastern Economic Forum. The run took place on Russky Island in Vladivostok on 6 September. Politicians, famous athletes and other people could choose between the 1 km or 5 km distance.

Russian Minister of Sport Pavel Kolobkov picked the 5 km distance. He said that he often jogs in the morning, but the course on Russky Island was not easy.

“It was not easy because of elevation differences, but I ran at a comfortable speed, enjoyed it and am feeling vigorous,” he said. “If it helps raise awareness about tiger and leopard conservation, then the run would mean a lot.”

The event was also attended by Olympic pentathlon champion Alexander Lesun, three-time Olympic medalist in swimming Yulia Yefimova, and 14-time world champion in canoe sprint Ivan Shtyl.

The Eastern Economic Forum is taking place on 6-7 September at Far Eastern Federal University. The forum is hosting another charity event: an auction in support of projects to protect threatened and rare animals of the Far East.