DHAKA, May 24, 2025 (BSS)- The spirit of international friendship, fitness, and cultural exchange was on full display as the Russian One Run Half Marathon successfully concluded in Bangladesh today (Saturday), said a press release.

Held simultaneously with other cities around the world, the event saw enthusiastic participation from hundreds of runners, athletes, diplomats, and fitness enthusiasts from all walks of life. This year twenty five countries over the world ran for “OneRun, OneGoal, OneWorld, OneLove OneLife.”

Over 2,20,000 people ran all over the world on this day. For the first time it came to Bangladesh. Almost 1000 runners from running communities, students, diplomats, Ruppur Officials from Russia, veteran runners, kids and government officials ran across Hatirjheel in this global running event. There were four categories-21.1km, 10km, 5km and 1km.  

“We are proud to host the Russian One Run Half Marathon in Bangladesh and contribute to a worldwide message of harmony through sport,” said Ambassador H.E. Alexander KHOZIN from the Russian Embassy at the closing ceremony. “This event not only promotes health and fitness but also strengthens the friendly ties between our nations.” 

The Chief Legal Officer of Hero League Russia, Kustareva Liubov promised to make this One Run more grand and successful next year. 

GamePlay Chairman Faisal Titumir Conducted the closing prize giving ceremony at Hatirjheel Amphitheatre. He aimed at doing more international sports activity in the near future for the sports lovers of Bangladesh. 

GamePlay CEO Maksum-Ul-Hossain thanked all the participants and talked about more future collaboration with nations for international sports and culture. Deputy Ambassador of the Russian Embassy Ms. Ekaterina Semenova and Chuti Resort Managing Director Alamgir Ferdous were also present at the closing prize giving ceremony.

Finishers and winners received medals from Russia. Category winners also got some more gifts from the sponsors. Chuti Resort was the title sponsor. Other sponsors were Cosmos Group, Brothers Furniture, Green Bangla Cottage, Active Pulse, Treat, United Hospital, Dr. Water, Jheel Maestria, Ama Coffee, Swing, UNB, Polar, Akij Motors.

Hero League, Russia and GamePlay Limited, Bangladesh co-organized this marathon. GamePlay is working with “Sports Diplomacy” in Bangladesh since 2018 and with different Embassies, High Commissions and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh. Hero League is the largest organizer of mass sporting events in Russia with a worldwide reputation. Hero League has already made the Guinness World Records twice for the world’s largest synchronized half-marathon.

The marathon celebrated global unity through sport, aligning with the international One Run Movement—an initiative that encourages countries to come together in a synchronized celebration of health, peace, and solidarity.

The success of the event has set a strong precedent for future international sports collaborations in Bangladesh. Organizers expressed their commitment to making such cultural-sporting exchanges a recurring platform for unity, fitness and diplomacy.