The 8th Siberian International Marathon (SIM) was held on the 2nd of August, 1997 in the Western Siberian city of Omsk, Russia. From a small sporting event it has grown to become a great festival of sport and culture. The marathon program is prepared by a dedicated group of SIM Committee members who do their best to develop a program of interesting and unusual events, that are eagerly awaited by the many runners from Russia and from abroad. Many spectators from Omsk and surrounding cities come every year and line the streets to watch the marathon participants and to cheer them on.

The marathon program began on Friday afternoon, the 1st of August with the Opening Ceremony that was held in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city of Omsk, Musical Theatre. On the next day there was a press-conference where a very interesting project was discussed. A regular participant of our marathon, German runner Peter Loeffler, suggested a relay-race from Hamburg to Omsk. According to his plan, this relay race would help to establish contacts between runners from different countries.

The following day was marathon day. In addition to the marathon, four additional distances were held: a 5 miles fun-run, the mini-marathon for Children, the ekiden (marathon relay-race), and for the first time in SIM's history there was a distance for roller bladers. So everyone, regardless of age and physical shape, found a suitable distance. More than five thousand runners took part in all the races.

Unfortunately, unexpectedly hot weather prevented the marathon course record from being broken. However, this did not stop the marathon spectators from enjoying watching the runners battle the heat and each other as they ran the 42 km distance.

The Award Ceremony was held in the central square of Omsk that evening. In additional to awards given to winners of each age group, the overall male and female winner were awarded new cars; a third car was also awarded to the wheelchair athlete. The Award Ceremony was followed by a great festival held in the recreation area, where participants enjoyed themselves dancing, resting after the race or just listening to the band music. The following day, Sunday, was the celebration of Omsk's founding, City's Day, and the celebrating continued in the centre of the city.

1. Vladimir Epanov, Russia, 2:15.54 (champion of Russia in 1997)

1. Elvira Kolpakova, Russia, 2:35.22