Published on: 2026-05-12
Source: St. Petersburg Polytechnic University of Peter the Great –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In the Polytechnic Park, an athletic race was held in memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Viktor Lyagin. The tradition of holding the race in honor of a graduate of our university began back in 1972. The event was revived six years ago, and since then the race has become a city-scale event. It is attended by polytechnic students, their friends and family members, as well as all residents of our city who wish to participate.
Viktor Lyagin (1908–1943) — Soviet intelligence officer, Hero of the Soviet Union (posthumously). He graduated from the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute in 1934, worked as an engineer at the Leningrad machine-tool building plant. In 1938, he was sent to work in the NKVD Directorate of the Leningrad region, and then transferred to Moscow to work in the central apparatus of the NKVD. From July 1939 to June 1941, he went on a business trip to the USA.Upon returning to Moscow, Lyagin, along with a group of intelligence officers, was sent to the city of Nikolaev to organize reconnaissance and sabotage operations against the German occupiers. He headed the activities of the underground anti-fascist group “Nikolaev Underground Center” there. In March 1943, Viktor Lyagin was captured during the execution of a mission. On July 17, 1943, the scout was executed. For exemplary completion of special tasks behind enemy lines and for displayed courage and heroism, Viktor Alexandrovich Lyagin was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on November 5, 1944.
Viktor Lyagin was not only a scout and an engineer by education, but he was also an athlete. He was passionate about weightlifting, volleyball, and running.
Six years ago, the Public Relations Department of the Polytechnic revived the annual tradition of holding a run in memory of the great graduate of our university.
It pleases that year by year the number of participants in the Viktor Lyagin race is only growing. Politicians and guests of our university gather together at the event. This event has its own history and its own spirit — it’s very important that, through the efforts of colleagues from the Public Relations Department, the Sports Club, and student volunteers, the traditions of the race are preserved,
The event was opened by the head of the administrative apparatus of the rector, Vladimir Glukhov: I want to note that this run has been taking place for more than 50 years. It is extremely important that it is held precisely on Victory Day, because veterans, participants of the Great Patriotic War, were among the first runners. We all need to understand that this run is a memory of one of our best graduates, a Hero of the Soviet Union. He is an extremely well-known person, and we will keep the memory of him in our hearts forever.
After the opening remarks, all participants started warming up. It was conducted by the coach, a three-time world champion in northern skiing, Kristina Kapinus. After a good muscle warm-up, the athletes went to the starting line and, at the whistle and to the supportive cheers of the fans, began the race.
Participants ran three laps around the Political Park, equal to five kilometers. Upon crossing the finish line, everyone was awarded commemorative medals. Then there was a ceremonial awarding of the winners among women and men.
Results of the women’s race:
- Ekaterina Fyodorova (number 62) — 18:41,09
- Tatyana Bevza (number 88) — 19:16.86
- Aleksandra Medvedeva (number 45) — 19:36,29
I am an amateur runner. I recently trained for the Kazan marathon, and now I am resting a little after it, but I couldn’t miss such a wonderful event here. It was very interesting, I like Politechnichesky Park. I sometimes run, walk, and train here,” said the winner of the women’s race Ekaterina Fyodorova.
Men’s race results:
- Andrey Ryabov (number 168) — 15:26.96
- Aleksey Antonov (number 164) — 16:03,21
- Dmitry Fedotov (number 151) — 17:20.57
I have been engaged in track and field since 2015, running three, five, ten kilometers. I studied at the Polytechnic, so it was important for me to run well. Therefore, I was preparing for this race, rather, morally,” shared the winner of the men’s race, Andrey Ryabov.
A separate note should be made of the regular participant of Lyagin’s run — Vasily Khlusevich. He is already 81 years old, confidently ran the entire distance and showed an excellent result. Behind him are numerous sports achievements: more than 380 marathons, including 24-hour ones.
He participated in this race back in the 1970s. At that time, the distance was 15 kilometers. They ran up to the Kantemirovsky Bridge and the Kalinin Factory, where the finish line was. Later, the distance was reduced, and eventually the race was discontinued altogether. But thanks to everyone who revived this tradition and continues to support this race in memory not only of Lyagin but also of all who deserve it, in memory of all those who died in the Great Patriotic War. I wish happiness, health, and all the best to all running enthusiasts and to our people in general. Overcome yourself,” noted Vasily Khlusevich.
After the race and the award ceremony for the winners, the athletes were able to restore their strength by trying field cuisine from the cooks. Everyone also chatted with each other, shared impressions, and made new acquaintances.
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