Join the ‘Nappy Marathon’ Contest in Siberia with Adorable Kids!
Organizers are gearing up for the 2012 edition of the ‘Crawlers Competition,’ an event that captures the hearts of many in Novosibirsk, Siberia. This unique competition features babies who are nine months and under, competing to cover a seven-meter distance in a mere two minutes while navigating a nappy rush course.
To ensure fairness, organizers diligently check birth certificates to ensure that none of the competitors exceeds the allowed age. The seriousness with which parents approach this event is evident from their expressions, even more so than the babies themselves.
This event, part of the annual Siberian Running Festival or the Novosibirsk Marathon, aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among people of all ages. It welcomes participants ranging from professional athletes to individuals aged 70 and above, along with the youngest contenders – the crawlers.
The nappy marathon takes place in a cozy tent, shielding participants from rain, strong winds, or other inclement weather conditions typically experienced in Siberia during September. The crawling track consists of soft mats on the floor, providing a safe and comfortable surface for the young athletes.
In the 2011 edition, the champion was Nikita Zhulin, who beat out all competitors. His mother, Tatiana Zhulina, reflected on their journey, saying, “We were in a kind of routine: he woke up, had his meal, then played and went for a walk, and then back to sleep. And suddenly we heard about this marathon, where even the smallest ones can take part! Of course, we were in!”
The event is a thrilling spectacle, with parents using various tactics to encourage their little ones, including toys, cameras, laptops, and phones. Nikita, then just nine months old, emerged as the fastest crawler, completing the distance in a remarkable 15 seconds.
Sergei, an onlooker, shared his experience, saying, “I didn’t really expect anything interesting – but then I was completely taken by it. It was impossible not to smile, watching so many babies crawling at the same time. Next time, I hope my little one will be able to take part.”
Marathon director Yevgeniy Gusev expressed their inclusive approach, saying, “Of course, we welcome young participants from foreign countries too. We’ll ensure perfect conditions, even if the weather is unstable. We want them to love running from a very early age. And yes, to prepare our next Olympic champions, you’ve got to start when they are still in their nappies.”
One thing’s for sure, in this competition, there are no doping tests required, just pure baby power and a lot of proud parents cheering on their little champions.
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