September 20, 2013. The trade union members joined in the running race dedicated to the upcoming Machine-Builder’s Day and the 84th anniversary of the company trade union at Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant (a member of Uralvagonzavod Scientific & Production Corporation), the corporation’s press service says.

32 competing teams represented their departments, production divisions, and administrations. Prior to the start of the race, all the participants attended an opening parade conducted by the director of the plant’s sports club and the primary judge Yuri Shusharin, who announced the teams were ready for the race to Chairman of the plant’s trade union Oleg Kosykh.

‘Women had to run a 300-meter distance, men had to run a 500-meter one. Every contestant competed in their respective age group. There were actually quite a few professional sports players among the runners, yet the Olympic principle that it’s taking part that counts still prevailed, as did the idea of popularizing a healthier lifestyle. This provided for a very relaxed atmosphere. One plant worker, for example, ran up to the finishing line while talking on his mobile, which made his friends comment in jest that the conversation had better be really important,’ the press release says.