Many runners and participants in competitions and marathons are familiar with such an event as the All-Russian Marathon of Desert Steppes "Elton", which is held in the Volgograd region. Both beginners and regular pro participants become participants in the marathon. All of them need to overcome tens of kilometers under the hot sun around Lake Elton.
The nearest marathon is scheduled for late spring 2017. Read about how this event is held, about its history, organizers, sponsors, venue, distances, as well as competition rules, read this article.
Marathon of desert steppes "Elton": general information
These competitions are truly unique because of the most interesting nature: the Elton salt lake, semi-desert places where herds of horses graze, flocks of sheep where thorny plants grow, and there is almost no civilization.
In front of you is only the horizon line, where the sky is connected to the ground, in front there are descents, ascents - and you are alone with nature.
According to the marathon runners, at the distance they met lizards, eagles, owls, foxes, snakes. It is noteworthy that these competitions are attended not only by participants from different parts of Russia, but also from other countries, for example, the USA, the Czech Republic and Kazakhstan, as well as the Republic of Belarus.
Organizers
Competitions are held by a panel of judges, which includes:
- the marathon director with the highest authority;
- the chief judge of the marathon;
- senior organizers at all types of distances;
The panel of judges monitors compliance with the rules of the marathon. The rules are not subject to appeal, and there is no appeal committee here.
The place where the races are held
The event is held in the Pallasovsky district of the Volgograd region, near the sanatorium of the same name, the lake and the village of Elton.
Lake Elton, in the vicinity of which the marathon takes place, is located at an elevation below sea level. This place is considered one of the hottest spots in Russia. It has very salty water, like in the Dead Sea, and on the shore there are snow-white salt crystals. This is what the participants of the marathon run around.
There are several distances in the marathon - from short to long - to choose from.
History and distances of this marathon
The first competitions on Lake Elton were held back in 2014.
Cross-country "Elton"
This competition took place on May 24, 2014.
There were two distances on them:
- 55 kilometers;
- 27500 meters.
Second "Cross Country Elton" (autumn series)
This competition took place on October 4, 2014.
Athletes took part in two distances:
- 56,500 meters;
- 27500 meters.
Third Marathon of desert steppes ("Cross Country Elton")
This marathon took place on May 9, 2015.
Participants covered three distances:
- 100 kilometers
- 56 kilometers;
- 28 kilometers.
The fourth marathon of desert steppes
This race took place on May 28, 2016.
The participants took part in three distances:
- 104 kilometers;
- 56 kilometers;
- 28 kilometers.
5th Desert Steppes Marathon (Elton Volgabus Ultra-Trail)
These competitions will be held at the end of May 2017.
So, they will begin on May 27 at half past seven in the evening, and end on May 28 at ten in the evening.
For participants, two distances will be presented:
- 100 kilometers ("Ultimate100miles");
- 38 kilometers ("Master38km").
Competitors start from the House of Culture of the village of Elton.
Race rules
All, without exception, participating in these competitions must have with them:
- a medical certificate issued no earlier than six months before the marathon;
- insurance contract: health and life insurance and accident insurance. It must be valid also on the day of the marathon.
The athlete must be at least 18 years old and at the Ultimate100miles distance must be at least 21 years old.
What things you need to have with you in order to be admitted to the marathon
Athletes-marathoners must have without fail:
At the distance "Ultimate100miles":
- backpack;
- water in an amount of at least one and a half liters;
- cap, baseball cap, etc .;
- mobile phone (you shouldn't take the MTS operator);
- Sunglasses;
- sunscreen cream (SPF-40 and higher);
- headlamp and flashing rear lamp;
- mug (not necessarily glass)
- wool or cotton socks;
- blanket;
- whistle;
- bib number.
As additional equipment for the participants of this distance, you should take, for example:
- GPS device;
- clothes with reflective inserts and long sleeves;
- signal rocket;
- jacket or windbreaker in case of rain
- solid food (ideally energy bars);
- elastic bandage in case of dressing.
Participants of the distance "Master38km" must have with them:
- backpack;
- half a liter of water;
- cap, baseball cap, etc. headdress;
- cellular telephone;
- Sunglasses;
- sunscreen cream (SPF-40 and above).
Directly on the eve of the start, the organizers will check the equipment of the participants, and in the absence of mandatory points, remove the runner from the marathon both at the start and at the distance.
How to sign up for a marathon?
Applications for participation in the fifth marathon of the desert steppes "EltonVolgabusUltra-Trail" accepted from September 2016 to 23 May 2017. You can leave them on the official website of the event.
A maximum of 300 people will take part in the competition: 220 distance "Master38km" and 80 - at a distance Ultimate100miles.
If you fall ill, by the end of April 80% of the member's contribution will be returned to you upon written request.
Marathon track and its features
The marathon takes place in the vicinity of Lake Elton, on rough terrain. The route is laid in natural conditions.
Support for marathon participants throughout the distance
Participants of the marathon will be supported throughout the entire distance: mobile and stationary food points have been created for them, and volunteers and car crews will provide assistance from the organizers.
In addition, participants running the Ultimate100miles are eligible for an individual support team, which may consist of:
- car crew;
- volunteer in the car and in the stationary camps "Krasnaya Derevnya" and "Start City".
In total, no more than ten car crews will be on the track.
Entry fee
Until February of the next year, the following rates exist:
- For athletes at a distance Ultimate100miles — 8 thousand rubles.
- For marathon runners participating in the distance "Master38km" - 4 thousand rubles.
From February next year, the entry fee will be:
- For marathon runners Ultimate100miles - 10 thousand rubles.
- For those who run the distance Master38km - 6 thousand rubles.
In this case, benefits apply. So, mothers with many children and veterans of military operations and large families pay only half of the entry fee.
How winners are determined
Winners as well as awardees will be revealed among two categories ("men" and "women"), according to the result in time. The prizes include cups, certificates, and gifts from numerous sponsors.
Feedback from participants
“It was hard enough for me to keep the pace. I really wanted to take a step. But I didn’t give up, I reached the end ”.
Anatoly M., 32 years old.
"Acted as" light ". In 2016, the distance was difficult - it was much more difficult than before. My dad runs actively like a "master", it was also difficult for him. "
Lisa S., 15 years old
“We have been participating with my wife in the marathon for the third year already,“ masters ”. The route is passed without any problems, but we prepare for it separately during the year. One thing is bad - for us, pensioners, there are no benefits for the entry fee ”.
Alexander Ivanovich, 62 years old
“Elton for me is truly a completely different planet. On it you constantly feel the taste of salt on your lips. You have no difference between earth and sky…. This is a delightful place. I want to come back here ... "
Svetlana, 30 years old.
Marathon of desert steppes "Elton" - the competition, which in 2017 will be held in the vicinity of the lake of the same name for the fifth time, has become very popular among runners - both professionals and amateurs. Whole families come here to look at the amazing nature, the extraordinary salt lake, and also to test themselves on the distance.
