Russian Race

Beringia, the longest sled dog race in Russia, takes place every year in Kamchatka peninsula. It takes about three weeks for the racers to overcome more than 1000 km route. This race is of the great importance for Kamchatka. It unifies Kamchatka with its sled trails and bright events. Following the participants of the race and watching villages and people on the way is like seeing a live snapshot of Russia, where destinies of people and nations are entwined in a tight knot. The mushers (dog sled riders) of all kinds of different nationalities and ages, men and women, professionals and amateurs participate in the race. The local priest Father Vladislav takes part in it as well. It’s not his love for sports that makes him participate in the race; he speeds up to his congregation in small villages scattered among Kamchatka peninsula to baptize infants, administer the Holy Mysteries, etc. Only in winter is it possible to cross Kamchatka from South to North, and only in a dog sled.