The "Knowledge.First" marathon has started in Nizhny Novgorod.

      On April 29, 2026, at 15:11, Society In Nizhny Novgorod, the federal educational marathon "Knowledge.First" (12+), dedicated to the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, declared by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, has started. This was reported by the Russian society "Knowledge."

      The event takes place from April 28 to 30 in ten cities across the country as part of the national project "Youth and Children." In the Volga Federal District, the central venue is Nizhny Novgorod, where about 1,000 schoolchildren, students, and youth representatives are participating.

      The program includes lectures and open dialogues about the significance of the unity of peoples for Russia's achievements in various fields—from science to sports. Lecturers' presentations are also available in online broadcast format.

      The marathon in Nizhny Novgorod was opened by the authorized representative of the President in the Volga Federal District, Igor Komarov. He noted that the event would mark the beginning of a great journey that would help young people broaden their horizons and learn more about the country. According to him, the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia opens new opportunities for society and contributes to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding among peoples.

      "The modern world is undergoing significant changes, so today, more than ever, it is important to feel the support of loved ones and to experience the real help of like-minded people. This is well understood by the residents of the regions of the Volga Federal District," emphasized Igor Komarov.

      The governor of Nizhny Novgorod region, Gleb Nikitin, also addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. He emphasized that the region knows well how cohesion helps achieve success in various historical periods. The region is home to representatives of many nationalities, and this diversity is its strength. According to the head of the region, special attention is paid to strengthening interethnic friendship, preserving cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for youth self-realization. Work is being carried out in two key areas—developing intercultural interaction and updating the historical heritage of 1612.

      "I believe that among the participants of the marathon, there are those whose projects will change for the better not only the Nizhny Novgorod region but also our entire country tomorrow," emphasized Gleb Nikitin.

      On April 29, in thematic blocks dedicated to courage, patriotism, culture, sports, and Russia's achievements, speakers will include a holder of three Orders of Courage, a participant in the "Time of Heroes" program, the chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma, and a member of the "United Russia" party, Yevgeny Chintsov; writer and public figure Zakhar Prilepin; three-time Olympic champion and member of the "United Russia" party Maria Kiseleva; aerospace engineer Denis Prudnik; actor Ilya Glinnikov; TV presenter Federico Arnaldi; and other speakers. On April 30, the General Director of the state corporation "Rosatom," Alexey Likhachev, will meet with the youth.

      It is worth noting that Nizhny Novgorod is hosting the marathon for the seventh time. Last year, it was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry and took place in the PFO at venues in the capital of the Volga region and Mordovia, gathering more than 4,000 participants.

      Broadcasts of the speeches are available on the "Knowledge" Society website, in the official group of the organization on VKontakte, as well as in district communities. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.