TomTom ran a distance of 1418 meters, carrying the torch known as "Victory Fire" with him.
In the hallowed grounds of Lagerny Garden, the heart of Tomsk, a significant event took place on August 5, 2025. The city participated in the nationwide "From Victory to Victory!" campaign, a series of commemorative activities marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945).
Tomsk Mayor Dmitry Makhina addressed the participants, expressing his pride in the city's involvement in the campaign. He emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory and the role of Tomsk in passing on a spark of the Eternal Flame eastward, towards China.
The event was a symbolic run, mirroring the historic and ongoing spirit of victory and remembrance. The sports distance of 1,418 meters corresponded to the number of days the Great Patriotic War lasted, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of the Soviet people during World War II.
Before the run began, a small ceremonial meeting was held at the foot of the monument to labor and military glory. Makhina encouraged the younger generation to pass on a spark of the sacred flame to cities across Russia, fostering a sense of national unity and reminding people of the invaluable contribution to the Great Victory.
The "From Victory to Victory!" campaign is part of a broader series of commemorative efforts observed across Russia. It includes marches, cultural festivals, and historical reenactments that emphasize both remembrance and education about historical events. The route of the campaign covers multiple cities across Russia, with the concluding event scheduled for September 3 in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
The campaign "From Victory to Victory!" spans 32 cities in 25 regions across Russia, including Tomsk. Makhina emphasized that Tomsk deserves to participate in the event, given its historical significance. Among Tomsk's veterans are those who helped liberate Manchuria from Japanese occupiers during the Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation.
The campaign aligns with extensive nationwide activities honoring the war's legacy, including cultural events, youth festivals, and memorial initiatives across Russia, often supported by significant public and government involvement. The events started on June 24 from the Kremlin walls in Moscow's Alexander Garden, symbolizing the beginning of a nationwide journey of remembrance and unity.
During the symbolic run, the sports distance of 1,418 meters was chosen to honor the number of days the Great Patriotic War lasted, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and achievements in World War II.
The "From Victory to Victory!" campaign, comprising various commemorative activities, aims to highlight both remembrance and education about historical events, and it includes sports events like the run in Tomsk.
