‘Congratulations to Our Champion on His Victory’: HSE University Takes Part in Moscow Race
On April 7, university students and staff took part in a major Moscow race named April. Maxim Liksakov, a student at HSE University, managed to set a new competition record and win first place. HSE University Rector Nikita Anisimov, who also took part in the competition, congratulated Maksim on his victory.
The annual races of this series have been held in Moscow since 2013. Initially, the event was called First Race, but, in 2017, it was renamed April. Competitors traditionally meet at the track to celebrate the start of the road running season.
This year, over 6.500 people took to the start line. They circled the Luzhniki Olympic complex, running along the Walk of Fame, Novoluzhnetsky Proezd, and Luzhnetskaya Naberezhnaya.
In just 14 minutes and 55 seconds, Maksim Liksakov, a first-year student of the Master’s programme ‘Computer Systems and Networks’ at HSE University, managed to cover the 5 km distance and set a new competition record. 'I congratulate our champion on his victory in the student part of today’s April race! HSE University is the best!’ Nikita Anisimov greeted the winner.
'I really enjoyed the race! I’m pleased with my place and time. I’m glad that every year the competition for the student cup increases, and the results improve, this is highly motivating,’ said Maxim Liksakov. ‘The atmosphere at the race is so cool! Many friends from different universities gather here and together we fight for the honour of our universities!’
‘I’ve never run so fast,’ Andrey Lavrov, HSE University’s Senior Director for Communications said at the finish line. 'Next year, we need a hundred people from HSE University to run this race.’
University employees also talked to the HSE News Service about why they take part in the race and what motivates them.
Ksenia Fedoseeva, Senior Analyst at the Office for Research and Development, HSE University
'This is far from being my first race, but it traditionally begins my running season, during which I manage to take part in five to six running races and two to three triathlons. The purpose of the April race is to evaluate my physical shape at the beginning of the season, especially after the winter. And, given that I continue to train throughout the winter, I strive to improve my previous result at this distance. My goal was to finish the race in under 20 minutes, and I did it! First of all, the race is full of positive emotions, it provides a thrill and the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people. It is definitely worth participating in, because it helps you believe in yourself and your strengths. When you start running regularly, you begin to pay more attention to your health, nutrition and routine. Also, participation in such races provides an opportunity to make new and interesting acquaintances.'
Daria Vakulenko, Manager at the Laboratory for Design Thinking, HSE University
'I have participated in races for more than two years. I regularly attend the Fox Mountain and Moscow Marathon races held by the running community and about 15–20 races of other organisers in Moscow and various cities of Russia. I love the atmosphere of the races, especially at Luzhniki. This is my first race after a short break, I’m returning to regular runs and this is the start of the season for me. A great way to reboot, relieve stress, and an opportunity to be among like-minded people. Many people worry about coming in last, that running is not for them, and so on, but in reality, no one will ever point or mock you. On the contrary, at such mass events, you feel the support from volunteers, spectators, and other runners. It fuels your energy and lifts your spirits. Yes, you will most likely not take home a prize, but you will have a great time if you are not too critical of yourself. I was the last one to finish the race twice, and it is no big deal.'
Mikhail Shishkanov, 2nd category engineer of the Technical Support Section at the Shabolovka Academic and Administrative Building
'This is my first experience of participating in a race. I didn’t even train for it, I couldn’t find the time. I decided to take part in it to support my colleague; I would hardly have attended it on my own. Some people, apparently, participate so that they can check the box—I could do it! Some do it for the thrill, others want to become healthier. I believe that such races are important because they definitely bring people together.'
Learn more about HSE University’s Running Club here.