5 Oct 2013 17:08

Putin to start Olympic torch relay on Oct 6

MOSCOW. Oct 5 (Interfax) - President Vladimir Putin will ceremonially start an Olympic torch relay on Moscow's Red Square on Sunday, sending the flame on a race more than 65,000 kilometers long through Russia before it is arrives in Sochi for the opening ceremony on February 7, 2014, for the 22nd Winter Olympics.

The flame will pass through 130 cities in all of Russia's 83 constituent territories, with 14,000 appointed and 30,000 volunteer torchbearers replacing one another in carrying it. More than 130 million people will be within one hour's distance from the route to be followed by the torch.

The torch will light the Olympic flame at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.