50 brides race to help stray dogs and cats

To participate in the race in Blagoveshchensk, the brides had to donate a pack of dog food for Pirate, a dog that received international coverage after walking 11 kilometres with two broken legs trying to find his way back home. Called Pirate, the mongrel won the hearts of people who raised money for his medical care. 

It is the fifth such charity race in the city, in Russia's Far East. Winner Anna Krytayeva combined a black leather jacket with her bridal outfit. 

'This biker's outfit is simply a look which helped me to stand out among other girls,' she said. 'They all are very beautiful, so it was difficult to look any different. It's a great event, very positive. I'm happy I came first although I didn't train for it.'

Natalia, another runner, said: 'It's been my second race although I've been married for only a year. Last year I ran although I wasn't wed. A friend lent me a dress, and it turned out that the race was fortunate for me, the same year I got married.' 

The racers posed with stray dogs needing good homes.