The marathon displays the ethnic and cultural diversity of Russia, with individual regions represented by one team or more reflecting each region.

Sochi, the Host City of the next Winter Olympic and Paralympics in 2014, will host its marathon from July 20 to August 12.

The second marathon will run from July 26 to August 12 in London, which is staging this summer's Olympic and Paralympics.

The event in London will run throughout the Olympics in Russia and Sochi.Park, the official Russia House for the Games.

The festival will unite citizens across Russia.

During the marathon in Sochi will be the National Russian Forum for Culture.

The event will be held in the Black Sea resort on July 20 and 21.

The forum will include those active in cultural and artistic areas as well as representatives from business and cultural authorities.

They will be exploring the role of the Sochi 2014 Cultural Olympiad in the rebirth of cultural and historical Russian traditions.

The Cultural Olympiad is devoted to a different art each year, with 2012 the Year of Music.

The Year of the Cinema was celebrated in 2010 and last year focused on theatre.

In 2013 Sochi will celebrate the Year of the Museum.

Sochi 2014 are also hoping to bring a flavour of traditional Russian culture to London this summer at Russia and Sochi.Park.

Among the entertainment on offer to visitors will be an ice dancing spectacular and a variety of Russian music.

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